With a rare opportunity to compete in the FIVB World Championship, Bryan Bagunas feels determined to recover from his left knee injury and rejoin Alas Pilipinas in time for the prestigious tournament this September.
Bagunas suffered the injury after an awkward landing from a service attempt during the Philippines’ four-set loss to Indonesia in the SEA V.League last August.
“Minsan lang naman ito mangyari sa buhay ko na maka-join sa World Championship,” said Bagunas during the PNVF press launch for its official music partner and ambassador, held Tuesday at The Vault in BGC.
“Siyempre, gagawin ko ‘yung best ko para maka-recover agad para maka-join sa Alas Pilipinas.”
Since the injury, the 27-year-old outside hitter has been undergoing rehabilitation and therapy. He is on track to begin jumping exercises within the month, aiming to regain full strength in time for the national team’s preparations.
“So far, okay naman na ‘yung recovery ko. Ngayon, nagmu-movement na ako. Siguro by this month, back to jumping exercise. Ayun, siyempre nagfo-focus talaga ako sa therapy para makabalik agad,” said Bagunas.
Bagunas, along with Eya Laure, was recently named one of the country’s ambassadors for the 2025 FIVB World Championship. The Philippines will host the tournament six months from now at the SM Mall of Asia Arena and the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Honored to take on the role, he vowed to actively promote the event while using the platform to elevate Philippine men’s volleyball both locally and internationally.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“Siyempre, being an ambassador sa Volleyball Men’s World Championship, honored ako dito. Gusto ko rin mapakita sa mga young volleyball athletes na siguro ito ‘yung start para mag-grow ‘yung men’s volleyball sa Pilipinas,” said the 2022–23 Top Volleyball League MVP.
“Siguro this is the chance na maipakita natin — not just locally, not just in Southeast Asia, but to the world — kung ano meron tayo sa men’s volleyball. Siguro dun pa lang, marami kami ma-inspire. Not only me, siyempre lahat ng Alas Men’s Volleyball.”
Bagunas had played a key role in the Philippines’ historic silver medal finish in the 30th Southeast Asian Games alongside Marck Espejo. Now, he is eager to help Alas Pilipinas make their mark on the global stage and prove that the country’s men’s volleyball team can compete with the best.
“As of now, siguro masasabi ko lang, pag-join sa World Championship, isang kasaysayan na ito eh. Siyempre, pagdating sa paglalaro, kailangan lang namin ipakita kasi alam naman natin na underdog kami,” Bagunas said.
“Sobrang malalaki ‘yung kalaban namin, sobrang experienced na sila. Nakapaglaro na sila sa ganitong klaseng tournament. Siguro, kailangan lang namin ipakita na hindi kami makukulelat at lalaban kami.”
#WATCH: Bryan Bagunas shares his progress and his pride in representing the country as an ambassador! 🇵🇭
📹 @jonashdcd /Tiebreaker Times#Sambansa pic.twitter.com/QG6qlhvs3p
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) March 4, 2025
