While their win against Myanmar brought them closer to their goal of returning to the podium, Alas Pilipinas Men skipper Bryan Bagunas emphasized that no tournament is decided in a single game.
He stressed that the team must stay focused on their goal and take each match as it comes.
“Ayun, para sa akin naman syempre hindi naman natatapos ‘yung tournament na ‘to sa isang panalo lang,” Bagunas said shortly after their 25-23, 25-20, 25-21 sweep of the Burmese side on Friday.
“Sinasabi naman namin sa isa’t isa na hanggang dulo talagang kailangan mailabas natin ‘yung 100 percent natin para sa goal na gusto natin maabot,” he added.
The Philippines endured a shaky start against Myanmar, struggling with the timing of their blocks as the opposition consistently exploited gaps and varied their attacks throughout the game.
Despite this, Alas managed to work through the early difficulties, executing key plays and capitalizing on crucial points en route to an opening-day win that put them on the cusp of a semifinals berth.
“I think siguro ‘yun nga, nanibago siguro sa isa’t isa. Ayun, medyo may pressure ‘yung team. Sabi naman namin, wala naman kaming kailangang anuhin dito, nothing to lose pa rin naman,” said the 28-year-old outside hitter, who finished with a game-high 18 points.
“Alam naman namin may mailalabas kaming magandang laro, ayun medyo pangit lang ‘yung first two sets namin, medyo shaky nga pero nakita ko naman nung third set, lalo na si Leo Ordiales, talagang bumawi,” he added.
Bagunas admitted that some of the younger players felt the jitters early on. He was, however, glad that the squad managed to shake it off as early as their first game, allowing them to compete more confidently in the matches ahead.
“Sa tingin ko naman medyo nailabas ngayon ‘yung kaba. I hope na sa susunod na game is mas steady and mas okay ‘yung laro ng team,” said the Osaka Bluteon spiker.
“Ayun, sabi namin relax lang sila kasi ganto talaga, may pressure sa’tin. Pero pakita niyo lang anong meron kayo, lalabas din ‘yung laro kung anong meron kayo,” he added.
With Myanmar now in the rearview, the team’s attention turns to Indonesia, a side the Philippines has long struggled to overcome, making the upcoming clash a key test for Alas.
“Actually ‘yun nga, alam naman natin ‘yung Indonesia is talagang solid ‘yung team nila dito sa Southeast Asia. But ayun, pinaghandaan naman namin ‘to, kailangan lumaban kami every game.”
#WATCH: MEDYO MAY PRESSURE YUNG TEAM
Bryan Bagunas and the Alas Men leaders made sure to steady the Philippine ship in their #SEAGames2025 debut 🏐 🇵🇭#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/GEWliz1ggJ
📹 @_joaquiflores /Tiebreaker Times#Sambansa pic.twitter.com/Y1xFC4Z9y5
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) December 13, 2025
