CANDON CITY, ILOCOS SUR — Alas Pilipinas Men settled for fourth place after suffering a straight-sets defeat to Indonesia, 19-25, 17-25, 17-25, to close out the first leg of the 2025 SEA V.League on Sunday evening at the Candon City Arena here.
Just 26 days removed from a painful 10th-place finish in the 2025 AVC Nations Cup, the Nationals were hoping to surpass their back-to-back bronze medal finishes from the 2024 edition.
A silver would have marked the country’s third second-place finish since the national volleyball federation was established in 1961 — and its first-ever in the SEA V.League.
But that dream came crashing down.
With a 2-2 win-loss record to end the tournament, the Philippines finished fourth — its lowest placement since the men’s division was inaugurated in the SEA V.League in 2023.
Both Vietnam and the Philippines concluded the tilt with identical 2-2 records, but the Vietnamese (1.142) hold the superior set ratio compared to the Nationals (0.750).
Tied at 7-all in the third set, the Nationals fell prey to a blistering 8-1 run by the Indonesians, who built a commanding 15-8 lead that the Philippines failed to recover from. Indonesia never looked back, with a quick attack from Jasen Kilanta followed by a down-the-line hit from Rama Fauzan.
A final blow from Boy Arabi sealed the match and the Philippines’ fate.
In the second set, the Philippines remained within striking distance at 14-18. However, Indonesia unleashed a 7-3 closing run that pushed Alas Pilipinas into a two-set deficit.
The Nationals’ sluggish showing in the final two frames stemmed largely from a poor start in the opening set. Indonesia opened up a 15-10 lead after a 7-2 run and maintained control to take the early advantage.
Leo Ordiales once again led the Philippines with 12 points, while National University teammates Buds Buddin and Jade Disquitado each chipped in six points in the losing effort.
There will be no rest for the weary, as Alas Pilipinas now shifts its focus to the second leg of the SEA V.League, set to take place in Jakarta, Indonesia from July 16 to 20.
This leg is part of their continued buildup toward the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship, set to begin on September 12.
On the other hand, the win propelled Indonesia to its third consecutive SEA V.League silver-medal finish.
Arabi powered the Indonesians with 21 points on 15 attacks, four aces, and two blocks, while the trio of Fahr Putratama, Farhan Halim, and Tedy Syahputra each chipped in seven points in the win.
Beyond being denied a historic silver medal, the Philippines was also knocked out of championship contention earlier in the day after eventual three-peat SEA V.League champion Thailand made quick work of Cambodia.
Thailand was led by team captain Amornthep Khonhan and Chaiwat Thungkham, who scored 15 points apiece. Anurak Phanram and Kissada Nilsawai added 13 and 10 points, respectively.
Veasna Voeurn paced Cambodia, which finished the leg winless, with 11 points on nine attacks.
Cash prizes were also given to all five participating teams — Thailand with $13,000, Indonesia with $12,000, Vietnam with $11,000, Philippines with $10,000, and Cambodia with $9,000, respectively.
