Following his surprise inclusion in the starting lineup, Louie Ramirez rewarded Alas Pilipinas head coach Angiolino Frigoni’s trust with a breakout performance in their victory over Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi on Tuesday night.
Ramirez admitted he didn’t expect to start against the two-time Indonesian Proliga champions, but he embraced the challenge and delivered in a big way, helping the Filipinos secure a hard-fought 25-23, 27-29, 25-21, 25-22 win in their opening match of the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“Kasi nga andiyan si Kuya Marck [Espejo], hindi ko inaasahan na ako yung gagamiting first six ni Coach Angiolino [Frigoni] kasi kaninang umaga lang niya ako ginamit as first six din,” said Ramirez moments after the game.
“Sinabi ko na lang sa sarili ko na maglalaro ako ng maayos,” he added.
The Cignal star led all scorers with 25 points built on 21 attacks, three kill blocks, and one service ace, as the Philippines put on an impressive show to kick off the three-day invitational tournament — part of their build-up for the FIVB Men’s World Championship, which the country will host in September.
Ramirez said their daily grind in training has been his main motivation, especially with the team fully committing to the system introduced by their Italian mentor.
“Mindset lang namin is mailaro yung dapat naming mailaro — yung gusto ni Coach Angiolino — kasi grabe talaga ‘yung paghihirap namin araw-araw sa training. Gusto lang naming maipakita kung ano ‘yung gusto niyang mangyari,” said the former Spikers’ Turf Finals MVP.
“Siguro yung fighting spirit and skills din, kasi nga ang dami kong natutunan kay Coach Angiolino, lalo na sa skills and mental toughness na rin,” he added.
Ramirez and the rest of Alas Pilipinas will look to sustain their strong start when they take on Hyundai Capital Skywalkers on Wednesday at 7:30 PM, again at the Big Dome.
#WATCH: Louie Ramirez relishes his breakout game in an Alas Pilipinas jersey! 🇵🇭🏐
📹 @ErnestTuazon /Tiebreaker Times#Sambansa #AlasInvitationals pic.twitter.com/uNaqplHD7x
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) June 10, 2025
