THROGGS NECK, NY – Maritime College Head Men's Lacrosse Coach has been named Head Coach of the Filipino National Team for the upcoming Men's World Lacrosse Championship Asia Pacific Qualifiers.  He will lead Team Philippines at the qualifying tournament for the 2023 World Championships, which will be held in Seogwipo, Jeju Island, South Korea from Oct. 3-8.

Manjares has led Maritime to three consecutive Skyline Conference titles and NCAA Tournament appearances.  He was the Skyline Conference Coach of the Year in 2019 and 2021, and the Privateers have not lost to a conference opponent during his tenure.

"It's an honor to represent my parents' heritage and to help lead the country in its qualifying effort," Manjares said.  "Finishing in the top four is our goal, and it would be a tremendous accomplishment for our nation to qualify for Worlds."

The top four nations in the six-team field will qualify for the 2023 World Championships in San Diego.  The Philippines is competing against China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, New Zealand and South Korea for the opportunity to join automatic qualifiers Australia and Japan out of the Asia Pacific region.

In 2018, the Philippines made its debut at the Men's World Lacrosse Championships and finished 10^th overall after posting a 5-2 record.  Manjares was Filipino team's Director of Operations that year.

With a world ranking of No. 10, the Philippines is the highest-ranked team playing in the Asia Pacific Qualifiers.