When the stakes were highest in the fifth set against Asian powerhouse Iran on Thursday night, Alas Pilipinas’ captain Bryan Bagunas rose to the occasion, showing why he is the team’s heartbeat.
Bagunas delivered crucial kills in the decisive set, inching the Philippines closer to a historic Round of 16 berth at the 2025 Volleyball Men’s World Championship.
A pivotal block point from Kim Malabunga nearly sealed the victory, but a net fault challenge from Iran ultimately shifted the momentum.
In the end, it was the West Asians — the perennial continental champions — who advanced.
It was a bitter defeat, but one that showcased the heart of the Filipino squad.
“Mas masakit po talaga sa’min kasi ando’n na po kami,” Bagunas admitted.
“Pero masaya pa rin po ako kasi naipakita po ng team namin na kaya naming makipag-compete.”
Despite the loss, Bagunas expressed deep gratitude for the fans’ unwavering support, not only during this match but throughout the tournament. He also praised the coaching staff and everyone who helped build team chemistry, acknowledging their vital role in keeping morale high.
“Andito po kasi tayo sa Pilipinas, so, na-feel po namin talaga ‘yung support ng mga Filipino volleyball fans.
“I think, naging malaking tulong po ‘yun para ma-boost po ‘yung morale namin. Thankful din po kami sa mga coaches kasi kaya rin po siguro naging maganda ‘yung resulta ng tournament,” the outside hitter shared.
As outsiders in terms of world rankings, Bagunas and his teammates had expected a challenging path. Yet, he embraced the experience wholeheartedly, savoring the rare opportunity to compete at this level.
“From the start naman ng tournament, hindi naman namin ine-expect na mabibigyan kami ng ganitong pagkakataon. ‘Yun nga, naging masaya kami na umabot kami sa ganitong sitwasyon na pwede kaming pumasok sa Round of 16. Binigyan kami ng chance, ginrab naman namin, pero ‘yun nga hindi kami pinalad,” he said.
For Bagunas, this tournament marked a personal milestone. Recovering from a recent injury and having been with the team for just over a month, reaching a fifth-set thriller against one of Asia’s best felt historic.
“Sabi nga namin, makapanalo lang kami ng first set, history na. Pero, ‘yun nga, nakapanalo pa kami ng isang game. Tapos, umabot pa sa ganitong game na nag-fifth set at nagkaroon pa ng chance sa Round of 16,” said the 27-year-old spiker.
“I think ito na ‘yung pinaka-memorable volleyball experience ko.”
Next for these Filipino warriors is the club season, including Bagunas’ international stint with Japan’s Osaka Blueton in the SV.League. Yet the lessons and confidence gained from this World Championship will surely fuel their drive.
And when national coach Angiolino Frigoni calls on them again, Alas Pilipinas will be ready to turn moments like these into triumphs.
