UAAP Most Valuable Players Kennedy Batas of Ateneo de Manila University and Josh Ybañez of the University of Santo Tomas led a strong cast of collegiate standouts who attended the Alas Pilipinas Men’s practice session last Wednesday.
Batas is coming off a stellar UAAP Season 87 campaign, where he was named MVP after finishing second in total points with 263. He also ranked fourth in both spiking success rate (44.79%) and service aces (0.30 per set), powering the Blue Eagles to a respectable fifth-place finish.
Meanwhile, Ybañez — himself a two-time MVP — joined the sessions despite battling through a Grade 2 right ankle sprain early in the season. He led the Golden Spikers to a bronze-medal finish, showcasing his trademark resilience and explosive play.
Joining them in the session were other collegiate stars: Noel Kampton, Menard Guerrero, and Nathaniel Del Pilar from De La Salle University; JJ Macam, Trevor Valera, and Al-Bukharie Sali from UST; and Andre Bicar and Shan Camaymayan from the University of the East.
Players from National University, fresh off securing a historic five-peat in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament, are expected to attend the team’s training later today.
To accommodate the influx of athletes, the national team will be holding two practice sessions today.
Veterans from Spikers’ Turf, who recently represented the country in the 2025 AVC Men’s Champions League in Japan, are also expected to rejoin the pool.
Returning members include Cignal standouts Jau Umandal, Steven Rotter, Wendel Miguel, Lloyd Josafat, Vince Lorenzo, Louie Ramirez, EJ Casaña, JP Bugaoan, and Owa Retamar, along with Criss Cross stars Marck Espejo, Gian Glorioso, Kim Malabunga, and Lucca Mamone.
Also in attendance are JM Paglaon of Savouge and Ike Barilea of Team1 Silay.
