CANDON, Ilocos Sur — Joshua Magalaman announced his arrival with Alas Pilipinas in impressive fashion on Wednesday at the Candon City Arena here.
After playing only a limited role for De La Salle University in UAAP Season 88, the 6-foot-5 middle blocker emerged as a pleasant surprise for the Philippines despite its tough upset loss to Cambodia, 23-25, 30-28, 20-25, 25-22, 15-8, in the opening match of the first leg of the 2026 Southeast Asia Men’s V Cup.
Magalaman finished with a team-high 21 points, converting 15 of his 22 attack attempts while adding four blocks and two aces. And he drew cheers from the home crowd in the regional tournament hosted by Candon City Mayor Eric Singson and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.
Even the 23-year-old admitted he felt surprised by his breakout performance, especially after leading a talented Philippine squad in scoring as a middle blocker.
“Ako po mismo nagulat ako. Like, paano ko ‘yon nagawa? Tapos, inisip ko na lang, eh, nagagawa ko ’yon kasi ’yon yung tine-training namin. Yun yung tinuturo sa akin ni Coach Frigoni. Like, bago ako, pero na-adapt ko yung sistema niya,” said Magalaman.
“‘Yung pinanghahawakan ko po is, syempre, first time po. Parang gusto ko po ipakita sa buong Pilipinas kung ano po yung kaya kong iambag sa Team Philippines po.”
Magalaman transferred to La Salle ahead of Season 87 but was not included in the lineup that year. He eventually made his debut for the Green Spikers in Season 88, though he was unable to fully showcase his potential.
Now gaining valuable experience with Alas Pilipinas, Magalaman hopes to carry the lessons from his national team stint into UAAP Season 89.
“Napakalaking experience po ’yung ito. Gagamitin ko po ’to sa mga susunod na liga, Season 89, ganon,” he said.
Jude Garcia added 20 points, Louie Ramirez chipped in 17, while Al-Bukharie Sali and Lirick Mendoza contributed 10 and eight points, respectively, in support of Magalaman.
Now at 0-1 in Pool A, Alas Pilipinas faces a must-win showdown against reigning AVC Men’s Cup champion Indonesia on Friday to keep its semifinal hopes alive.
Magalaman believes cutting down on errors will be the key after the Philippines committed a costly 46 unforced errors against Cambodia.
“Siguro po, as a team, parang, bawas kami po ng error. Kasi doon po kami natalo. Like, ang daming errors. Tapos, yun. Pag nakakapuntos sila at tuloy-tuloy na, di namin ma-stop minsan. Yun lang po. Yung errors lang po namin dapat (mabawasan),” said Magalaman.
