Farm Fresh, ZUS Coffee unite under Strong Group banner for Formosa volleyball tilt

With Strong Group Pilipinas set to defend its title in the 45th William Jones Cup next month, another squad backed by the organization will also fly the Philippine flag in Taiwan.

Farm Fresh and ZUS Coffee are joining forces as Strong Group Pilipinas for the Taichung Bank 2026 Formosa Women’s Volleyball Invitational Tournament, scheduled from July 30 to August 2.

The international competition will provide both Premier Volleyball League (PVL) teams with an early opportunity to measure themselves against top clubs and national selections from around Asia as they prepare for the 2026 PVL season.

Representing Farm Fresh are reigning PVL Most Valuable Player Trisha Tubu, Roselyn Doria-Aquino, Maicah Larroza, Ces Molina, Louie Romero, and Jonna Perdido.

ZUS Coffee will contribute Chinnie Arroyo, AC Miner, Clo Mondoñedo, Riza Nogales, Alyssa Eroa, and Zamantha Nolasco to the combined roster.

Farm Fresh head coach Koji Tsuzurabara will lead the Philippine delegation, with the mentor viewing the tournament as a valuable opportunity to sharpen his players against international competition.

"This tournament gives us exactly the challenge we're looking for before the PVL season. We'll be facing quality teams from different countries with different playing styles, and that's an opportunity for both Farm Fresh and ZUS Coffee to grow," Tsuzurabara said.

"The level of competition will push our players to improve, build chemistry, and gain the experience that will benefit them once the PVL season begins."

The Philippine squad is expected to face teams and selections from Chinese Taipei, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, and Hong Kong, creating a competitive field that will test the country’s representatives ahead of the domestic season.

Tsuzurabara will be supported by ZUS Coffee head coach Jerry Yee, along with assistants Kungfu Reyes and Shaq Delos Santos.

Yee emphasized that the tournament represents more than just preparation for the PVL campaign, as it also gives the players a chance to represent the Philippines on the international stage.

"It's an honor for our players and coaching staff to wear the Strong Group colors and represent the Philippines. We hope to make our country proud with the way we compete," Yee said.

"At the same time, bringing together players from Farm Fresh and ZUS Coffee is a great opportunity to build relationships, learn from one another, and create a strong team culture that will benefit both clubs when we return to the PVL."

The Formosa Invitational will mark the first international assignment for the combined Farm Fresh-ZUS Coffee squad, which hopes to use the experience as a springboard before returning to their respective PVL campaigns.