Alas Pilipinas Men captain Bryan Bagunas in action. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News
MANILA — An emotional team captain Bryan Bagunas faced reporters following Alas Pilipinas' heartbreaking loss at the hands of Iran, 25-21, 21-25, 25-17, 23-25, 20-22, in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship on Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Bagunas, holding his tears back, took time to reflect on what could have been another milestone for Philippine volleyball.
A win could have propelled the Philippines to Round of 16, but they fell short against the World No. 16 squad.
READ: FIVB Worlds: Heartbreaker as gallant Alas Pilipinas Men fall to higher-ranked Iran
"Siyempre, sobrang masakit po para sa 'min kasi nandun na po kami," said Bagunas, who tallied 22 points on 18 attacks, three blocks, and one ace, leading the team in scoring.
Still, it was an unprecedented run for Alas Men—defying the odds and braving stronger teams Egypt and Iran in Pool A.
"Pero masaya pa din po 'ko, kasi naipakita ng team namin na kaya naming makipag-compete sa ganitong klaseng level ng tournament," he added.
The Nationals reached match point six times, but a momentum-killing net fault call on Alas proved crucial as Iranians walked away with the win.
"For me, nung nag-start naman ang tournament, hindi naman namin na-expect na umabot namin sa ganitong pagkakataon. Ayun nga, siyempre naging masaya kami na umabot namin sa ganitong klaseng sitwasyon na pwede kami makapasa sa round 16," Bagunas said.
"Hindi naman namin in-expect, pero ayun nga, binigyan kami ng chance and ginrab naman namin," the ex-National U standout added. "Pero 'di kami pinalad."
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