The year was 2019. The Philippine men’s national volleyball team just ended a 22-year Southeast Asian Games medal drought, claiming a silver that shone like gold in front of a packed Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Fast forward to 2025, and in a similarly enthusiastic crowd — this time at the much larger SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, just 43 kilometers away — the squad, now fondly called Alas Pilipinas, etched another historic moment.
In four thrilling sets, the team pulled off arguably the biggest upset of the tournament, and that’s saying something in a competition known for surprises.
Alas Pilipinas, ranked No.89 in the world, stopped African champions Egypt with a 29-27, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21 victory.
A historic win. A moment to remember.
At the heart of these milestones were five standouts: middle blocker Kim Malabunga, setter Joshua Retamar, libero Jack Kalingking, and outside hitters Marck Espejo and Bryan Bagunas.
For Espejo, who had a relatively quiet opener against Tunisia, pride came from everyone’s effort, including his own.
“Siyempre nung first game po talaga … Lahat naman kami aminado na kabado talaga kasi first game sa World Championship. Pero nung third set na ‘yon, parang naka-gain po kami ng confidence para gamitin po sa next game,” the Criss Cross Cruncher top gun said.
That confidence from their near-comeback against Tunisia fueled their fiery start against fellow African side Egypt.
“Pero itong against Egypt po talaga, ‘yung naging difference po talaga is — siguro nung first game, lahat po kami off talaga, pero nung second game, personally, off pa rin po talaga ko, lalo na sa attacking,” Espejo added.
“Pero sinabi ko sarili ko na, ‘patience lang talaga.’ Tumulong din lang ako kung saan ako makatutulong sa team. Pero, ayun, naging composed lang po yung buong team, at nagtulungan lang po talaga.”
The former five-time UAAP MVP finished with 13 points, coming from nine attacks, three blocks, and one service ace. He also made his impact felt on defense with four digs and a team-high 12 excellent receptions.
With another historic opportunity on the horizon — a spot in the Round of 16 — Espejo wants Alas Pilipinas to enjoy the game against Iran on Thursday, even amid the pressure of a must-win scenario.
“Malaking pressure; hindi naman ganon kalaki, pero ando’n naman ‘yung pressure palagi. Magpapahinga po muna kami, tapos pag-aaralan po namin ‘yung laro ng Iran. I hope ma-double namin ‘yung effort namin today against Iran,” Espejo concluded.
#WATCH: Marck Espejo says the Philippines can compete even if we’re not as tall as their opponents! 🇵🇭🏐#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/j8ShPtoAQA
📹 @justinvalencia_ /Tiebreaker Times#MWCH2025 #Sambansa pic.twitter.com/G53sBIymC9
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) September 16, 2025
