From being left out of the initial pool to becoming a key contributor to the national team, Buds Buddin is determined to put in the work to secure a roster spot with Alas Pilipinas for the much-anticipated FIVB Men’s World Championship next year.
Buddin admitted that doubts began to creep into his mind after his exclusion from the 21-man pool released by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) earlier this year. However, his desire to use it as motivation to improve ultimately prevailed.
“Actually, nung naglabas ng pool, wala ako sa pool. Parang umayaw na rin ako eh, kasi nagka-injury ako ng ilang beses ‘di ba nung offseason, tapos paglabas ng pool wala ako,” said Buddin.
“Dream mong mag-national team, pero wala ka sa pool. So parang napanghinaan ng loob,” he added.
The 23-year-old outside spiker, who was recovering from a right-hand fracture at the time of the announcement, returned to National University’s lineup and helped the school secure a rare four-peat in UAAP men’s volleyball.
Buddin continued to work on his game, teaming up with Leo Aringo in the 21st ASEAN University Games beach volleyball event in Indonesia, where they powered the Bulldogs to a bronze finish.
The hard work soon paid off for the UAAP Season 85 Second Best Outside Spiker, as he finally received the call he had been waiting for, serving as a last-minute replacement for Alas Pilipinas ace Marck Espejo in the Southeast Asian V.League.
“Thankful ako sa family ko na nandiyan sila palagi para i-cheer up ako, and ayun, lahat naman ng effort and sacrifices nagbunga. Thank you sa mga coaches kasi na-appreciate nila ‘yung effort ko,” shared Buddin.
“Yung trust nila sa akin, ‘di ko sila binigo kasi gusto ko lahat maging worth it eh. Dati dream ko lang, nandiyan na ako, so ayoko lang pakawalan. Lahat ng opportunities talaga na binibigay sakin, gina-grab ko and ayaw ko pakawalan,” he added.
Buddin made sure to make the most of the opportunity, helping Alas Pilipinas clinch back-to-back bronze medals in the two-leg tournament.
As a testament to his perseverance, Buddin earned the Best Outside Hitter awards in both legs.
Now, he has set his sights on securing a coveted spot in the Nationals’ campaign for the FIVB World Championship, which the country will host in September next year.
There’s no stopping Buddin from reaching one of his lifelong dreams, especially considering how far he has come—from playing barefoot on outdoor courts in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, to now vying for a place on the biggest stage of volleyball.
“Syempre super excited. Dati, sa kalye lang ako naglalaro, ngayon nag-UAAP ka, nag-national team ka, then after nun world championship,” said Buddin.
“Sobrang saya kasi kung i-imagine mo, dati naglalaro ka lang na wala kang sapatos, tapos ngayon kumpleto lahat, tapos ‘yung mga makakalaban mo is world champions, mga iniidolo mo, so sobrang excited ako.”
