Looking to build on its historic run in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, Alas Pilipinas Men will field a largely unchanged lineup for the upcoming 33rd Southeast Asian Games, scheduled from December 13 to 19 at the Indoor Stadium Huamark in Bangkok, Thailand.
The only adjustment comes with University of Santo Tomas winger Al-Bukharie Sali replacing libero Jack Kalingking, as the national team adds size in the opposite role. Steven Rotter was also excluded from the 14-man roster.
Alas Pilipinas will compete in Pool B against Indonesia and Myanmar, following Cambodia’s decision to withdraw from the competition.
The Philippines is aiming for its first podium finish since 2019, after placing fifth in the 2023 edition held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
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Leading the team once again is the dependable core of Bryan Bagunas (Osaka Bluteon), Marck Espejo (Criss Cross), Owa Retamar (Cignal), Josh Ybañez (UST), and Leo Ordiales (National University). Louie Ramirez (Cignal), along with NU’s Buds Buddin and Jade Disquitado, complete the winger rotation.
Veteran middle blocker Kim Malabunga (Criss Cross), joined by Lloyd Josafat (Cignal) and Peng Taguibolos (NU), will anchor the net. Criss Cross’ Eco Adajar will back up Retamar in the setter role, while Vince Lorenzo will serve as Ybañez’s backup in the libero position.
Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Anthony “Tony Boy” Liao confirmed the final roster to Tiebreaker Times.
Angiolino Frigoni, the strategist behind Alas Pilipinas’ impressive campaign in the recent World Championship, will once again lead the team.
