What began as a rocky campaign for Alas Pilipinas Men has steadily turned into a promising path toward the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship.
After a winless stint in the 2025 AVC Men’s Volleyball Champions League last May — falling to Japan’s Osaka Bluteon and China’s Shanghai Bright — the team seemed far from form.
Struggling to gain traction, the Nationals were in search of answers, desperate for a breakthrough that could reignite their confidence ahead of the biggest stage in men’s volleyball.
That breakthrough came in the form of a critical one-week training camp in New York from May 27 to June 3. The results of that focused buildup were put on full display during the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals, a three-day pocket tournament held from June 10 to 12 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
The Nationals swept the four-team field, earning statement victories over Indonesia’s Proliga champion Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi, reigning Korean V-League champion Hyundai Capital, and regional rival and World No. 60 Thailand — an eight-time SEA Games gold medalist.
For head coach Angiolino Frigoni, the growth was undeniable.
“I know the other teams that we have to compete against, and what we did today is not enough. But I am very happy. I am smiling,” said the 71-year-old Italian tactician following the team’s come-from-behind five-set win over Thailand on Thursday night.
More than just the wins, Frigoni highlighted the team’s development — both collectively and individually. Several players stepped up in the spotlight, showcasing the fruits of their training and chemistry.
Louie Ramirez ignited the campaign with 21 points against Jakarta. Then Marck Espejo, the team’s longtime talisman, delivered back-to-back masterclasses: a 20-point effort against Hyundai Capital followed by a 31-point explosion against Thailand.
Also rising to the occasion were Steven Rotter and Kim Malabunga, who provided stability throughout the tournament.
The future of the national team shone just as brightly, with collegiate stars Josh Ybañez, Kennedy Batas, Eco Adajar, Leo Ordiales, and Buds Buddin making their presence felt with confident performances.
“I was supporting the team and, of course, tried to win. But for us, what we did was more important — not just because we won, but because we made a big step compared to the other matches we played before,” Frigoni reflected.
With the level of competition intensifying, Frigoni now faces a welcome dilemma: how to trim a deep and talented pool into the final 14-man roster for the World Championship.
He plans to begin with a broader list of 18 players — a mix of professional Spiker Turf veterans and standout collegiate talents — before narrowing it down closer to the tournament. The idea is to have contingencies for injuries, form fluctuations, and tactical adjustments.
“I can select 18 players, that’s OK. Because we have a big group, in case somebody gets injured or is out of condition. So I will make a big list, 18 players. From them, I will select,” Frigoni explained.
“They will have more opportunities to play, and more chances to be in the final 14 for the World Championship.”
The road to the global stage won’t get any easier.
With just 91 days left before the Philippines hosts its historic first appearance in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship from September 12 to 28 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum and the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, the Nationals are in for a busy and vital stretch.
According to Frigoni, Alas Pilipinas is scheduled to play around 28 more matches before the tournament kicks off.
That includes a campaign at the 2025 AVC Men’s Volleyball Nations Cup from June 17 to 24 in Manama, Bahrain; as well as a European training tour featuring tune-ups against Romania, Portugal, and South American squad Chile — three teams also bound for the World Championship.
“Before the World Championship, we are supposed to play more or less 27 or 28 matches more,” Frigoni shared. “We have the SEA Games now, then we go to Bahrain again, Romania again, Portugal — and we play matches against them. These are all teams, except Bahrain, that will be here for the World Championship.
“And when they come here before the tournament, we’ll face them again. That’s very important for us. These players don’t have much experience at the high level yet, so for us, it will be essential.”
The climb may have started with stumbles, but Alas Pilipinas Men are now charging upward with purpose — and with the World watching, the countdown has truly begun.
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) June 12, 2025
