Alas Pilipinas is placing its future in the hands of its rising stars, a fearless group of young guns determined to seize a once-in-a-lifetime chance when the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship opens Friday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Italian mentor Angiolino Frigoni has entrusted the national team’s campaign to a promising cast from the collegiate ranks — UAAP standouts Michaelo “Buds” Buddin, Jade Disquitado, Louie Ramirez, and Eco Adajar, alongside Josh Ybañez, Leo Ordiales, and Peng Taguibolos.
Ramirez, a two-time NCAA MVP from the University of Perpetual Help, carries the pride of his league as he fights for a spot in the final 14-man roster.
(C) PVL Images
For the 25-year-old Ramirez, who has blossomed into a versatile hitter for Cignal in the Spikers’ Turf, donning the national colors on opening night against Tunisia at 7:00 PM would mark the pinnacle of his career.
The match follows a dazzling kick-off show featuring K-Pop group BOYNEXTDOOR and Cebuana singer-songwriter Karencitta.
“I’m proud that wherever I go, I still carry the NCAA with me. It means a lot to come from there,” Ramirez said.
“This will definitely be one of the best moments of my volleyball career. It’s the world championship.”
Buddin, once a wide-eyed kid from Palawan, knows the weight of this moment. Called up late last year, the NU product helped the Philippines to back-to-back bronze medals in the 2024 SEA V.League and bagged two Best Outside Hitter awards.
Now 24, he has the chance to cement his place in history with Alas Pilipinas.
“Honestly, this is a dream come true. I couldn’t ask for more. Coming from the province, I just dreamed of making it to Palarong Pambansa, then I played for NU in the UAAP, and now the national team. It feels like everything’s been falling into place, especially if I end up lined up for the World Championship,” Buddin shared.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent the country. That would be a huge honor and probably the biggest moment of my career so far.”
At 21, Disquitado has been the spark plug of the squad, first answering the call during the 2023 SEA Games. The Santa Rosa native, who powered NU’s historic ‘five-peat’ with teammates Taguibolos, Ordiales, and Buddin, wants his journey to inspire young dreamers.
“Honestly, I never expected to reach this level. I’m really proud of myself for making it this far. It’s not easy to get here,” he said.
“This means a lot to me, especially for the experience. And for the younger players coming after us, I hope they work hard, listen to their coaches, and keep pushing so they can also reach this level someday.”
(C) AVC
Meanwhile, Eco Adajar, La Salle’s young setter, faces the daunting task of running the offense alongside veteran Owa Retamar. Yet the 24-year-old remains unfazed, confident in the support system around him.
“As a rookie and one of the youngest members of Alas, being a setter is definitely one of the toughest roles in volleyball — and to top it off, I’m playing on the world stage. But with the guidance of our older teammates, the role doesn’t feel too heavy because they’re always there to lead us,” Adajar said.
“As a setter working alongside Owa, it’s been a great learning experience. We constantly exchange knowledge during training and games. Plus, with the support of the home crowd, I think we’ll feel lighter and more confident on the court knowing the Filipino fans are cheering us on.”
Though molded by different leagues and programs, these young standouts share a single vision: to stay ready, contribute when called, and bring relentless energy to every match.
After Tunisia, Alas Pilipinas faces world No. 23 Egypt on September 16 before clashing with Asian powerhouse Iran on September 18.
The official 14-man lineup will be announced after the preliminary inquiry on Thursday, September 11.
Tickets for the World Championship are available through philippineswch2025.com.
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