Buds Buddin and the rest of Alas Pilipinas are fully embracing the challenge of being underdogs in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, which the country will host from September 12 to 28 next year.
Ranked the lowest at No. 64 in the 32-team field, Buddin expressed his eagerness to showcase Filipino men’s volleyball and prove that they can rise to the occasion and make their mark on the international stage.
“Para sa akin, no pressure, kasi alam naman natin na wala silang ine-expect sa’min. Ine-expect nila matatalo kami, so kung ano ‘yung ite-train namin during games,” said Buddin following the draw at the Solaire Resort and Casino last Saturday.
“Siguro ilalabas namin lahat para maipakita sa kanila na may ibubuga rin ‘yung Philippines men’s volleyball team dito sa atin,” he added.
“Maglalaro kami nang maglaro para mag-improve pa – hindi lang para sa world championship, kundi para sa pagdating ng SEA Games.”
The Philippines received a favorable but still challenging draw in Group A, where they will face Asian Championship runner-up Iran, African Championship titlist Egypt, and 11-time African champion Tunisia.
Buddin, a two-time Southeast Asia V.League Best Outside Hitter, said that it doesn’t matter who their opponents are.
Instead, he emphasizes that the team will work hard to repay the support of Filipino fans.
“Para sa akin naman, kahit sino naman siguro ka-bracket namin doon, lahat naman sila anlalakas, kaya super excited na makalaban ‘yung team na ‘yon,” said the National University ace.
“Siguro mas magwo-work hard kami para makasabay kami sa kung anong ipapakita nila – para sa Filipino fans and sa mga Filipino na sumusuporta sa’min,” he added.
With less than a year before the world championship, the work continues for Buddin and his team as they are set to fly to Italy on Monday for a two-week training camp, where they will compete against several local squads.
“Inuunti-unti naman namin. Sa Monday, aalis kami papuntang Italy, may training camp kami. Two weeks. Inuunti-unti namin, siguro step by step muna sa ngayon,” Buddin concluded.
“More international leagues, training camps, and tune-ups para mas maraming learnings. Para bago mag-world championship, lahat pulido and fully prepared kami.”
