CANDON CITY, ILOCOS SUR — In the first 74 seasons of the UAAP, National University had only two volleyball titles to its name—both from the women’s division.
Once a team without a single gold in men’s play, the Bulldogs have since rewritten their story. NU has captured seven of the last 10 UAAP men’s volleyball titles, capped by an unprecedented five-peat in Season 87, becoming the first collegiate volleyball program in the Final Four era to win five consecutive championships.
This run of dominance has turned NU into the backbone of the Philippine men’s national volleyball team. Over the years, players like Francis Saura, Peter Torres, Kim Dayandante, and Vince Mangulabnan have all suited up for the Nationals.
In 2025, the Bulldogs will continue to be a vital pipeline for the national team. Bryan Bagunas, Buds Buddin, Kim Malabunga, Leo Ordiales, Jade Disquitado, Owa Retamar, and Peng Taguibolos are all included in the Alas Pilipinas Men’s pool for the upcoming 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.
“Siyempre sobrang proud kami. Ayun ‘yung mga anak ni Coach Dante [Alinsunurin], talagang andoon eh, talagang makikita mo na kung paano talaga sistema ng NU,” said Buddin on Sunday evening following the first leg of the 2025 SEA V.League held at the Candon City Arena here.
For Buddin — a two-time SEA V.League Best Outside Hitter — NU’s success on the international stage is not surprising, especially given the discipline and system established by long-time head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
NU’s international impact extends beyond the national team. Alumni such as Bagunas, Madz Gampong, and Season 87 Finals MVP Leo Aringo have taken their talents to Japan, continuing their volleyball careers professionally after their storied UAAP runs.
According to Buddin, this level of exposure and opportunity for NU players — both internationally and within the national team — is no accident. It’s the direct result of the program’s long-term vision and commitment to excellence.
“Talagang makikita mo kung paano pinangalagaan ng NU ‘yung sistema na ‘yon and as you can see naman na talagang pinagtrabahuhan namin [dito sa] Alas national team and siyempre, pati sa NU,” the 24-year-old outside hitter explained.
Looking ahead, Buddin said he takes immense pride in suiting up for Alas Pilipinas Men alongside his NU brothers, as the squad gears up for a crucial buildup to the Worlds.
Coming off a fourth-place finish in the opening leg of the 2025 SEA V.League, Buddin and the rest of the Alas squad aim to ride their growing chemistry and a renewed sense of confidence heading into the next leg of the tournament and a European training camp.
“Yung confidence namin as a team and as an individual. Malalaman namin kung ano pa kailangan i-work out para lahat kami buo loob at may confidence pagdating sa court,” he shared.
“Siguro, hindi namin maipapangako na magkaka-medal tayo, pero we will do our best na mapakita kung ano ‘yung best ng team namin. Siyempre ilalaban pa rin namin, kung ano ‘yung ilalaban.”
#WATCH: Despite finishing fourth, Buds Buddin takes pride in representing Alas Men alongside his NU brothers on the road to the #MWCH 🇵🇭🏐
📹 @ernesttuazon /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/A2UuF4S9au
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) July 13, 2025
