Philippine men's volleyball star and Alas Pilipinas team captain Marck Espejo. PVL Media Bureau/file
MANILA – Alas Pilipinas Men team captain Marck Espejo is looking forward to playing in front of more Filipino fans as the country hosts the SEA V.League in Candon, Ilocos Sur.
"First time po maglalaro nang malayo sa Manila. Excited po kami na ibang volleyball fans at ibang Filipino po na malayo sa Manila magkaroon ng chance na makanood ng games," Espejo told reporters on Thursday.
"Excited din po kami ma-experience and ma-feel yung support ng fans outside the metro," he added.
The Criss Cross star shared the significance of bringing games outside Metro Manila in promoting the sport.
"Super important po siya and at the same time parang pa-promote narin yung men's volleyball sa Philippines. I hope sa darating na game namin sa Candon maraming sumuporta at manood ng game po," he said.
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Espejo said the grind continues for Alas ahead of the SEA V.League.
"So far naman po yun balik sa training po ulit sa Philippines. Nagpe-prepare po sa darating na SEA V.League sa Candon. Pero yun di parin po kami tumitigil sa training. Kung ano yung plano, tuloy-tuloy lang po," he said.
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Aside from the Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam will also compete in the tournament.
The SEA V.League will be held in Candon, Ilocos Sur from July 9 to 13.
Meantime, Espejo praised their counterparts in Alas Pilipinas Women who are competing in the VTV Cup in Cambodia. The team eventually secured a semifinals ticket after taking out Est Cola of Thailand in the knockout quarterfinals.
"Nabasa ko sa social media na parang Alas year daw ngayon. Happy ako and proud ako maganda performance ng women's team and I hope masundan ng men's team," he said.