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Alas Pilipinas are in the final stretch of their preparations for the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championships.
Alas Pilipinas are now in the homestretch of their preparations for the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship this September.
Following their stops in Morocco and Romania, the Nationals are now set to conclude their three-country training camp across Europe in Portugal as they prepare for a historic debut in the continental showpiece.
But more than sharpening their skill sets, the nationals’ training camp has also been crucial to solidifying the bond within their core, according to veteran ace Bryan Bagunas.
“We eat together, train hard together, and push each other,” Bagunas said during the Nationals’ training camp in the Romanian city of Piatra Neamt.
Of the three countries, world no. 22 Romania and world no. 28 Portugal will be playing in the Men’s World Championships, while Morocco is considered an active volleyball country ranked at no. 81.
“Training here is intense in the morning and in the afternoon session. We focus on strength, conditioning, and game systems,” added Bagunas. “Coach Angiolino [Frigoni] has been pushing us to be disciplined and smart on the court, and I think that’s making a big difference in our preparation.”
Bagunas, along with fellow ace Marck Espejo, headlines Alas Pilipinas’ provisional 21-man roster for the Men’s World Championships. Accompanying them are remnants of the Philippines’ silver medal-winning core in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games in Kim Malabunga, Owa Retamar, and Jack Kalingking.
Spikers’ Turf stars Steven Rotter, Lloyd Josafat, JP Bugaoan, Louie Ramirez, and Vince Lorenzo are also in the running for the Final 14, along with young guns Leo Ordiales, Michaelo “Buds” Buddin, Peng Taguibolos, Josh Ybañez, Kennedy Batas, and Jade Disquitado.
A number of new names have also been added to the provisional roster, including John Michael Pagalon, Ike Andrew Barilea, as well as Filipino-foreigners Elijah Tae-Yin Kim and Lucca Mamone.
“We have a great balance of veterans who bring experience and leadership, and younger players who bring energy and fresh perspectives,” Bagunas said of the talent within Frigoni’s player pool.
For his part, Philippine National Volleyball Federation and Asian Volleyball Confederation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara lauded Alas Men’s hard work in their training camp.
“Our Alas Men’s team is in Portugal and Romania, they’re working so hard so that they can improve our level, and I hope we can really play better for the World Championships,” Suzara said.
Alas Pilipinas Men will debut at the Men’s World Championships this September 12 against Tunisia at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Following the curtain-raiser, an opening ceremony will be held featuring popular K-pop group BOYNEXTDOOR, and Cebuana artist Karencitta, who will be singing the official theme song of the world championships.
After opening their world championship bid against Tunisia, the Nationals will proceed to battle world no. 23 Egypt this September 16, followed by world. No. 13 Iran on September 18 to wrap up Pool A action.
Interested in watching the games live? Tickets are now available for purchase on the official website!
Banner images from the Southeast Asian Volleyball Federation on Facebook.