Shortly after an explosive performance that powered Alas Pilipinas Men to a bronze medal in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games last Friday, Marck Espejo announced that he will once again take his talents overseas, confirming that he is set to play in Taiwan next year.
The former Spikers’ Turf MVP, who currently suits up for Criss Cross, said he will first take time to rest and recover upon his return to the Philippines before processing the necessary documents for his Taiwan stint, declining to name the team for now.
“Ngayon pahinga po muna. Pag-uwi sa Philippines, mag-aayos na ng documents tapos maglalaro ako sa Taiwan. Yun po yung next na mangyayari sa akin, babalik po ako ng club team pero sa Taiwan po,” Espejo said.
The 28-year-old outside hitter — who has previously played in Japan on three occasions and also had stints in Thailand and Bahrain — will add another overseas chapter to his career with his upcoming move to Taiwan.
Espejo is coming off a packed 2025 schedule that began with club action for the Kubota Spears in the Japan V.League, before he rejoined the King Crunchers for their Spikers’ Turf Open Conference campaign.
He then immediately reported for national team duties, undergoing a grueling preparation that included stints in the AVC Champions League, Alas Pilipinas Invitationals, and the AVC Nations Cup, as well as a training camp in Europe — all part of the buildup to the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.
(C) POC Media
In the world tilt, Espejo was a key piece in Alas Pilipinas’ historic 19th-place finish, showcasing his all-around game as the Philippines pulled off a win over African champion Egypt and pushed Asian powerhouse Iran to the limit.
The former Ateneo de Manila University standout later returned to Criss Cross, which went on to capture the Invitational Conference crown, though he was eventually pulled out of the conference-ending tournament due to renewed national team commitments.
His year ended with a bronze medal at the SEA Games, where he erupted for 30 points in a 23-25, 23-25, 25-18, 25-22, 16-14 victory over Vietnam at the Hua Mark Indoor Stadium.
“Coming into the game talaga, super down talaga kami kasi gusto po naming umabot ng finals. Pero ito yung reality hindi po umabot. Ngayon, may chance pa rin makakuha ng medal,” the five-time UAAP MVP said.
“Siguro bawat isa sa amin, lumaban hanggang dulo. Kasi ito na po yung chance ulit para magkamedal. Bronze is still a medal.”
With another overseas campaign on the horizon, Espejo emphasized that he remains fully committed to serving the national team for as long as his body allows, stressing that he is always ready to answer the call.
“Kung kaya pa ng katawan, pero hopefully hanggang kaya, gusto ko pa ring makasama. Gusto ko ring i-guide yung mga bago at bata,” he said.
“Kasi parang ang hirap bitawan kapag yung matanda sa team biglang aalis sa team. Hanggang kaya po, ready pa rin akong maglaro para sa Philippines.”
