Bryan Bagunas feels thrilled at the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to suit up in the FIVB World Championship.
The Philippines was awarded the hosting rights for this prestigious tournament, granting the home team an automatic slot in the world tilt.
The tournament will run from September 12 to 28 next year.
While there is still no final decision regarding the roster, Bagunas – who is expected to be a shoo-in – expressed his willingness to give everything he can to help the national team’s campaign and uplift the men’s volleyball scene in the Philippines.
“Kami naman nandito kami para sumuporta at pag-iigihan namin para mas tumaas pa ‘yung level of play ng men’s volleyball,” said Bagunas.
“Siyempre natutuwa ako kasi kumbaga kasali tayo, men’s national team, kumbaga once in a lifetime lang ‘yun e. Talagang natutuwa ako kasi alam natin na sobrang sikat ng women’s natin dito pero bina-balance talaga ng federation natin na iangat din ang men’s natin. Sana magtuloy-tuloy,” he continued.
(C) PNVF
The two-time Taiwan Volleyball League champion also thanked the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) for bringing the world championship here in the country.
“Syempre natutuwa kami kasi dinadala ng federation natin dito ‘yung mga ganung tournament. So nandoon ‘yung suporta nila sa men’s,” said Bagunas.
Bagunas recently made his return to the Philippines, suiting up right away for his new team Cignal.
He unloaded eight points off the bench in their 25-10, 25-21, 25-15 sweep of his former squad Philippine Air Force in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference last Wednesday.
He was coming off another title run with WinStreak in the TVL, where he was named MVP in the previous season.
