Josh Ybañez has sacrificed a lot to earn his place in Alas Pilipinas.
A three-time UAAP Most Valuable Player as the University of Santo Tomas’ star outside spiker, Ybañez embraced a new role as a libero to become part of the Philippine men’s national volleyball team.
His hard work and dedication continued to pay off as Ybañez was named Best Libero in the first leg of the 2026 SEA V Cup at the Candon City Arena on Sunday.
It marked his second Best Libero award in the regional tournament after also earning the honor in the second leg of the 2025 edition.
“To be honest, I always find happiness sa ginagawa ko, lalo na sa paglilibero. Sobrang exciting niya for me and sobrang challenging at the same time, kasi nga lagi kong na-rerealize kapag nanonood ako ng higher level na competition na sobrang dami ko pang matutunan as a libero,” said Ybañez.
“I’m so open to new learnings and sa mga bagong itinuturo ni Coach Angiolino. About sa commitment, I’m doing it not just for the team but para na rin ito sa mga coaches, especially kay Coach Angiolino,” he continued.
The Philippines finished fifth in the tournament’s opening leg, hosted by Candon City Mayor Eric Singson and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee, after sweeping Myanmar on Saturday.
Alas Pilipinas was drawn into Pool A alongside eventual champion Cambodia and runner-up Indonesia. The Nationals pushed the Cambodians to five sets before falling short and later dropped a tightly contested straight-set match to the Indonesians.
Ybañez credited much of his success as a libero to Italian head coach Angiolino Frigoni, who believed he could thrive in the position.
“Of course, lagi akong thankful kay Coach Angiolino kasi ever since, kahit na nung nag-start pa lang ako mag-libero, hindi niya ako binitawan. Isa siya sa pinaka-nag-mold and naghawak sa akin at nagtiwala ever since talaga nung nag-start ako mag-Libero,” said the 5-foot-7 standout from General Santos.
“Ngayon, since nakakapag-perform na ako at parang nahanap ko na kung anong way ako makapag-contribute sa team and makapag-give back kay Coach Angiolino and sa coaching staff, ginagawa ko ang best ko talaga para at least may makita rin si Coach Angiolino sa akin.”
Alas Pilipinas will look to improve its performance in the second leg, scheduled from July 22 to 26 in Jakarta, Indonesia. Despite aiming for a stronger finish, the Nationals are also managing expectations as the squad continues to integrate several first-time members of the national team.
