Men's volleyball veterans Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo. PVL Media Bureau/file
MANILA — Veterans Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo will be at the forefront of the Philippines' attack when the country takes part in the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship 2025.
It will be the country's first-ever participation in the FIVB Worlds, coming at a time when men's volleyball is on a meteoric rise.
Bagunas and Espejo, the seasoned outside spikers in the team, are recognizing the importance of Alas Pilipinas' responsibility on their backs—and they need to be ready.
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"Ito, big tournament talaga. Lahat naman po kami talaga ready. Pero siyempre as a team, malayo pa. Malayo pa yung kailangan gawin. Pero malayo na rin ang in-improve ng team since nagsama-sama kami before training camp sa Europe," Espejo said in a previous interview.
They will be joined by spikers Leo Ordiales, Michaelo Buddin, Jade Disquitado, and Louie Ramirez at the wing.
Owa Retamar will be leading the setter rotation, and he will be backed up by La Salle standout Eco Adajar.
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The middle blocker position has three players at its disposal: Kim Malabunga, Peng Taguibolos, and Lloyd Josafat; while Josh Ybañez, Jack Kalingking, and Vince Lorenzo will be manning the floor defense of Alas Pilipinas.
Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni will be calling the shots, hoping his players will show up and conquer the best of the world.
Alas Pilipinas Men took part in a European training camp before joining the FIVB Worlds. They will raise the curtains of the 32-country contest on September 12 against Tunisia at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
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