Leo Ordiales is ready to embrace any role entrusted to him if he secures a place in the Final 14 of the Alas Pilipinas squad set for its historic participation in the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship this September.
The 22-year-old opposite spiker, one of the youngest members of the 21-man pool, has been training with the national team since last year in preparation for the country’s world championship hosting.
Ordiales relentlessly sharpened his craft, drawing on the wealth of experience and guidance from veteran wingers Bryan Bagunas, Marck Espejo, and Steven Rotter.
He has already shown flashes of that potential, playing a key role for the Philippines in the 2025 AVC Nations Cup before breaking through with the Best Opposite Spiker award in the opening leg of this year’s SEA V.League.
“For me, it’s not about age or experience. Whatever role is given to me — whether I’m in the first six, coming off the bench, or just in training — I’ll embrace it and give my all for the team,” said the winger out of National University.
The Philippines kicks off its World Championship campaign against Tunisia on September 12 at 6:00 PM at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, followed by an electrifying opening ceremony headlined by K-pop group BOYNEXTDOOR and Cebuana singer-songwriter-actress Karencitta.
Alas Pilipinas then faces Egypt on September 16 and Iran on September 18 to wrap up Pool A action. Tickets for the World Championship are available online through the official website, www.philippineswch2025.com.
“I’ll just fulfill whatever role is given to me. Of course, it all starts with trust,” said Ordiales, who has already shown his value during the team’s build-up with his instant scoring off the bench. “I trust them because they also trust me. We’re all helping each other,” he said.
“My only goal is to give my best, especially since we’ll be playing in front of our fellow Filipinos,” he said. “Whatever happens in the world championship, I want people to leave the arena saying they were proud of how the team played.”
Ordiales embraces the challenge not only as part of the team’s present, but also as a glimpse into the program’s future.
For the 6-foot-6 opposite spiker, simply being in contention for a roster spot and training alongside some of the country’s best is already a milestone in his young career — one that fuels his drive to keep working harder and proving he belongs on this stage.
“Of course, I’m honored because not everyone is given this kind of opportunity,” he said. “Out of the millions who play volleyball in the Philippines and the many young athletes who dream of this, I feel truly grateful to be given this chance.”
