Josh Ybañez is embracing the pressure as he vies for a spot in Alas Pilipinas’ Final 14 in the country’s historic campaign at the upcoming 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.
Driven by his love for the sport and an unyielding desire to grow, the 5-foot-7 outside hitter shared that pressure is not something to shy away from — especially when it comes with the chance to stand on the same stage as the world’s best.
“Pressure is constant,” said the two-time UAAP MVP from University of Santo Tomas, now embracing a defensive role under Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni.
“It’s always there, even if it’s not the World Championship. There’s always pressure. So I just embrace it and focus on loving what I do.”
For the SEA V.League Best Libero, wearing the national colors on one of volleyball’s grandest stages and in front of a passionate home crowd is a thrill so great that pressure hardly feels like a burden.
Returning to his natural role as a defensive specialist, the 22-year-old pride of General Santos vowed to give everything he has to contribute to Alas Pilipinas’ historic participation in the World Championship.
“It’s an honor for us to represent the Philippines for the first time at the World Championship, and as they say, this is history. I’m happy, and for sure, I’m going to learn so much from our opponents and from the tournament itself,” said Ybañez.
Ybañez is one of 21 spikers eyeing a slot in Alas Pilipinas’ final roster, which will represent the country in the 32-nation World Championship happening from September 12 to 28 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena and Araneta Coliseum.
The Filipinos open their campaign against Tunisia at the MOA Arena, with the match rescheduled to 4:30 PM from the original 6:00 PM, following a grand opening ceremony featuring K-pop group BOYNEXTDOOR and Cebuana singer-songwriter-actress Karencitta.
Fans can secure their seats for the historic event, which will see Alas Pilipinas face Egypt on September 16 and Iran on September 18, by purchasing tickets online at the official website: https://www.philippineswch2025.com.
For Ybañez, the World Championship is a rare chance to measure himself against the world’s finest and draw lessons that will further hone his craft.
“I will just focus on doing my best in every game and learning from each match. That’s the only way I can grow,” he said.
“I hope all Filipinos will support us, because of course, there are teams like the USA and others that are also favorites among Filipinos. So I hope they cheer for us too.”
