Alas Pilipinas Men team captain Bryan Bagunas welcomed the opportunity to put Philippine volleyball in the spotlight after leading the country’s largest contingent yet during the opening ceremony of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Bagunas partnered with Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala in leading the Philippine delegation during the parade of nations last Tuesday night.
The 28-year-old outside hitter admitted there are far more deserving athletes than him, but expressed gratitude for the honor of leading the Filipino contingent — and for representing the country’s rapidly rising volleyball scene.
“Una, siyempre nagulat ako na ako yung isa. Hindi ko na ini-expect kasi alam niyo naman na marami pang mas deserving sa akin na maging flagbearer para sa Pilipinas,” Bagunas said.
“Pero siyempre, isang malaking honor ito para sa akin — hindi lang para sa akin, pero para sa Philippine volleyball na rin. Masaya ako na ako yung isa sa mga flagbearer.”
Proud to share the moment with the 20-year-old Eala, Bagunas said walking side by side with one of the country’s brightest young stars made the honor even more meaningful.
“Alam naman natin na si Alex, talagang world na yung nilalabanan niya. Alam natin kung gaano kataas ang level ng competition na nilalaruan niya. Nakaka-proud lang din na kasama ko siya sa pagiging flagbearer — isang karangalan para sa akin,” said the Osaka Blueteon standout.
Coming off his ongoing stint in the Japan SV.League, Bagunas rejoined Alas Pilipinas for their flight to Bangkok last Monday and has been training with the squad since, determined to make up for lost time as the team ramps up its SEA Games drive.
Both the Alas Pilipinas Men’s and Women’s squads are expected to make strong pushes in the SEA Games, riding the momentum of their recent international success.
The men’s side, led by Bagunas, is coming off a remarkable run in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship. There, they fell just two points short of reaching the Round of 16 and ultimately finished 19th — ahead of several traditional heavyweights, including Japan.
Meanwhile, the women’s team, steered by captain Jia De Guzman, made waves on the Asian stage by finishing second in the AVC Nations Cup, while also clinching back-to-back bronze medals in the SEA V.League.
For De Guzman, Bagunas’ selection as flagbearer — following Alyssa Valdez, who carried the flag for the second time in the previous SEA Games in Cambodia — further highlights the continued rise of volleyball in the country.
“I think it just goes to show that volleyball is evolving every year. It’s rising, and we’ve also seen how well the men’s Alas team played this World Championship. Sobrang nakaka-proud. When we heard the news that Bryan was going to be the flagbearer alongside Alex Eala, sobrang nakaka-proud,” said the Creamline setter.
“Kasi he is a representative of the Alas program and we are only in our second year. So, what more in the future and na-excited din kami sa mga paparating next generation athletes sa Pilipinas.”
