CANDON, Ilocos Sur — Ateneo de Manila University’s Rodge Alejos and Jian Salarzon are relishing their first Alas Pilipinas stint, teaming up to represent the country in the first leg of the SEA V Cup.
Alejos and Salarzon didn’t just rep the flag — they even cracked the starting lineup against Indonesia on Friday.
Although the Alas Men absorbed a 20-25, 23-25, 25-27 loss that resulted to their relegation to the fifth place match against Myanmar, both were happy and grateful to be part of the national team.
READ: SEA V Cup: Indonesia ousts Alas Pilipinas from semis contention
For Alejos, it is a “privilege” to be on the national squad.
“Grabe, parang privilege talaga makasama sa Alas team and thankful ako kay God kasi without Him hindi rin naman ako makakarating dito,” said Alejos.
“And thankful rin ako sa parents ko na supportive and sa family ko na walang sawang sumusuporta. Actually, bumiyahe pa yung mother ko para lang manood in today’s game,” he added, celebrating his family’s support for him.
For Salarzon, this would boost his confidence for his UAAP stint with the Blue Eagles.
“Ngayon lang yung nabigyan ako ng chance maglaro sa national team. Sobrang happy ako and sobrang grateful ako sa opportunity na binigay sa akin lalo na magagamit ko yung mga experience dito sa mga upcoming games pa namin sa UAAP,” said Salarzon.
Salarzon chipped in eight points, while Alejos added six to the Philippines’ total against the reigning AVC Men’s Cup champions in the tournament presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), and Candon City Mayor Eric Singson.