Alas Pilipinas Men leaders Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo shared positive developments regarding their respective recoveries ahead of the much-anticipated 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship.
Bagunas said that he’s on track with his therapy for his knee injury and is scheduled to undergo a hop test later this week. Meanwhile, Espejo shared that he’s currently undergoing daily rehab sessions for his left ankle injury.
“On track naman yung therapy ko. This week, may hop test na ako, so malalaman na kung makakapag-full training na ako with Alas,” shared Bagunas during the Philippine National Volleyball Federation’s LRT-2 campaign launch.
“Okay naman po. Every day rehab po. Naka-recover naman na po. Target ko po talaga is maging 100 percent sa darating na World Championship,” added Espejo.
The 6-foot-5 Bagunas had been out of commission since August last year after an unfortunate knee injury following a service attempt during the Nationals’ campaign in the Southeast Asian V.League.
He missed most of Alas’ preparations as he focused on recovering in time for the World Championship.
Meanwhile, Espejo sustained a left ankle injury during Alas’ opening game against Pakistan in the recent AVC Men’s Nations Cup, sidelining him for the rest of the tournament.
Both players also missed the recently concluded SEA V.League in Candon, Ilocos Sur, where the national team finished fourth among five teams.
Espejo and Bagunas — undeniably two of the country’s top men’s volleyball players — said they’re pleased with the progress the young team is making despite their absence.
“Sila naman, for sure, ipapakita pa rin nila yung best nila, lalong-lalo na’t maganda yung ipinakita nila sa first leg. I think mas magiging okay pa yung performance nila sa second leg,” said Bagunas.
“Siyempre itong SEA V.League, part lang po ‘to ng journey pa ng team. Since nakakalaban na namin ng [national] team yung mga teams na makakalaban sa SEA Games, magkakaroon pa kami ng idea at mafa-familiarize pa sa ibang countries. Hopefully, by that time, makaharap namin sila,” added Espejo.
Espejo, however, admitted that the team is still far from their desired form with two months left before the World Championship, but expressed confidence that they’re on the right track and will be ready in time.
“Honestly speaking po, super layo pa talaga. Pero yun nga, one day at a time, one tournament at a time. Ibibigay namin yung pinaka-maximum potential ng team na hopefully, mailabas namin,” said the Criss Cross star.
“Win or lose, no regrets po basta magawa namin yung best namin at ipakita namin sa Philippines and sa world kung ano yung meron sa Philippine volleyball.”
#WATCH: Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo share updates on their road to recovery 🏐
🎥 @jonashdcd /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/oWAzMSAE6W
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) July 15, 2025
