Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo are racing against time to regain peak physical condition as Alas Pilipinas enters the final phase of preparations for the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, which the Philippines will host.
Bagunas (knee) and Espejo (ankle) have already rejoined team practices and even took part in the Nationals’ recent three-country European training camp after recovering from their respective injuries.
However, with just nine days left before the tournament, both players are still working tirelessly to return to their top form.
“‘Yung pagbabalik ko po, medyo nahirapan [pa po ako] kasi one month din po akong hindi nakapag-training,” said Espejo during the MRT3 Go Live! event on Wednesday to promote the country’s hosting of the 32-nation world championship.
“Ngayon, nakaka-catchup na po ako sa conditioning sa team pero personally, meron pa po sanang mailalabas.”
#WATCH: Marck Espejo reminds everyone—no matter how much Alas Men train for #MWCH2025, it’s never enough when you’re up against the world’s best 🏐🇵🇭
📹 @jonashdcd /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/ippO5LhOkK
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) September 3, 2025
“Syempre ako, sobrang saya na nakabalik na ako dito. Syempre ‘di ko pa masasabi na 100 percent, but ayun nga tina-try ko naman na humabol sa team. Alam naamn natin na sobrang taas na ng level nila ngayon, tina-try ko makahabol sa kanila,” added Bagunas.
#WATCH: Bryan Bagunas is back and ready to power Alas Men for their historic #MWCH2025 debut! 🏐🇵🇭
📹 @jonashdcd /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/RzwbuYyjTi
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) September 3, 2025
Alas Pilipinas recently wrapped up a two-week training camp in Morocco, Romania, and Portugal under Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni. Their resilience and teamwork will be tested immediately as they face Tunisia in the World Championship opener at 6:00 PM on Friday, September 12, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
An electrifying opening ceremony will follow the match, featuring K-pop group BOYNEXTDOOR alongside Filipino singer-songwriter and actress Karencitta.
Tickets are available at the official website: https://www.philippineswch2025.com.
The Philippines will also battle Egypt on September 16 and Iran on September 18 as part of its Pool A assignments.
“We are at the final stages of preparations, and we’re happy to say that we’re all set and ready to serve in this hosting,” said Ramon “Tats” Suzara, president of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) and Asian Volleyball Confederation.
Suzara, along with MRT 3 General Manager Michael Capati, led players, Local Organizing Committee members, PNVF staff, and MRT 3 officials in riding a championship-themed train from North Avenue to Ayala Station.
Also present on Wednesday were Owa Retamar, Kim Malabunga, Steve Rotter, Louie Ramirez, Buds Buddin, Leo Ordiales, Josh Ybañez, Peng Taguibolos, Lucca Mamone, Vince Lorenzo, Jack Kalingking, and Lloyd Josafat.
Alas Pilipinas Women head coach Jorge Souza de Brito, Jia De Guzman, Eya Laure, Maddie Madayag, Cla Loresco, and PNVF secretary-general Don Caringal were also in attendance.
