After five amazing years with the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles and bringing the Philippine men’s volleyball into another level, Marck Espejo takes his talents to Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler in Japan’s V1 League, the top tier in Japan, for the 2018-19 season.
The Blue Eagle, who changed the landscape of the men’s volleyball, takes a higher flight as a Weisse Adler — which means a “White Eagle” from September to May 5, 2019 in a top tier league in Japan.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and siguro as an athlete dito sa Philippines, I really have to work hard, harder talaga, and double time at effort ko kasi ang level of competition sa Japan siyempre different sa Philippines,” Espejo said during his contract signing with the team on Sunday at Buffalo Wild Wings, in the Conrad Hotel in Pasay City.
“Kailangan paghandaan ko at isang maganda is to represent yung country ko sa Japan.”
Espejo’s dream will turn into reality when he debuts for Oita Miyoshi against the Toray Arrows on October 27.
Dr. Atsushi Miyoshi — the owner of the team based in Miyoshi Internal Medicine in Sano, Oita City — warmly welcomed the King of Philippine volleyball to their team and country.
“Welcome to our team and welcome to Japan. I believe Marck will help our team in many ways. We look forward to watching you play your excellent volleyball,” said Dr. Miyoshi of his Asian import, who will play for a three-time Season Challenge League champion squad.
The Weisse Adler also saw action in the Asian Men’s Club Championships Manila last 2014.
The five-time UAAP and four-time PVL Most Valuable Player tried out for the club team before Season 80. Oita Miyoshi Head Coach Takashi Ogawa revealed that they have been eyeing and quietly watching Espejo’s matches, and also revealed that UP’s Kenyan mentor Godfrey Okumu, who worked for the club for three years, recommended the face of Philippine men’s volleyball.
“Okumu said Marck is a good player. We need an Asian import like him,” Ogawai said. “I’m looking forward to play with Marck. I belive Marck’s spikes, blocks, and receives will us many wins.”
Ateneo and Cignal Head Coach Oliver Almadro is very proud of his player, who will still finish the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference before leaving for Japan.
“We’re very happy that another great na naman sa volleyball ng Pilipinas. We know naman Japan is known world-wide,” Almadro said. “Nakita ng Japan ‘yung talent ni Marck. This is not accident, by fate na ma-bless siya ni Lord. Marck will use that talent to be an inspiration.
“Ipagdasal natin si Marck na maging successful pa siya.”
The outside spiker, who hails from Marikina, joins a restructured league in Japan, which has 10 teams playing 27 matches in the regular round before qualifying in the Final Six, Final Three, and the Finals.
Despite being the first Filipino to play in Japan, Espejo vows to remain committed to play for the National team when he gets a call. Weisse Adler, for their part, promised to allow their Asian import.
