Marck Espejo has shaken off an ankle injury and is now playing catch-up in Alas Pilipinas Men’s three-nation European training camp, which has entered its final leg in Portugal.
Espejo shared that he is taking things one step at a time as he works to regain full form in time for the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, which runs from September 12 to 28 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“I’m taking it day by day, training by training, as I work to catch up with the team after coming back from injury,” said Espejo from their training camp in Santo Tirso, a city in northern Portugal, on Monday.
Espejo, along with fellow veteran Bryan Bagunas, has been working his way back into form and is now blending well with a squad composed of both young and seasoned players.
The group opened camp in Morocco, moved to Romania, and is now closing its final phase in Portugal.
Another encouraging sign for the No. 77-ranked Alas Pilipinas is their performance in tuneup matches, where they took two of three games against world No. 81 Morocco and managed to snatch a set from Romania’s national squad.
These developments signal that Alas Pilipinas is closing in on the goals of its training camp, which is geared toward delivering a strong showing in the World Championship. The Nationals begin their campaign against Tunisia on September 12 at the MOA Arena.
“It’s a well-balanced team [Alas] for long-term growth,” Espejo said. “We have experienced veterans and kuyas who provide leadership, and younger players with fresh legs and a lot of energy.”
The 32-nation FIVB World Championship will be a grueling test — something the former Spikers’ Turf MVP fully understands.
“I will take this challenge seriously and give my very best,” said Espejo. “But I’m excited. Right now, we’re focused on bringing out the team’s full potential. We’re enjoying the camp, playing against top teams, and learning a lot.”
Like the rest of Alas Pilipinas, Espejo is looking forward to seeing Filipino fans in the stands while also giving them the chance to witness world-class volleyball up close.
Tickets are available at www.philippineswch2025.com.
Guided by decorated Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni, the Nationals kick off their stint against Tunisia on opening night, followed by an electrifying opening ceremony — the first time in FIVB history that both volleyball and beach volleyball are included — featuring K-pop group BOYNEXTDOOR and Cebu’s own Karencitta.
A well-traveled standout, Espejo has played in Japan (Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler, FC Tokyo), Thailand (Visakha), and Korea (champion team Incheon Korean Air Jumbos), on top of a silver medal run with the Philippines in the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
Still, he admitted that nothing compares to representing the flag.
“It’s a huge honor and opportunity to be part of the World Championship — playing for your country feels different from playing for your club,” Espejo said. “I’ll make the most out of it because this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“This is a huge opportunity, not just for me, but for the growth of men’s volleyball in the Philippines. I won’t take it for granted,” he added.
After Tunisia, the Philippines will also face world No. 23 Egypt on September 16 and world No. 13 Iran on September 18 in Pool A play.
