Painful. Or maybe the fullest kind of pain. Pain-full.
Marck Espejo paused for several seconds before facing reporters on Thursday night, moments after Alas Pilipinas bowed out of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship in heartbreaking fashion before 14,240 roaring fans inside the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Losing in five sets is never easy. But the Philippines’ 25-21, 21-25, 25-17, 23-25, 20-22 defeat to Iran — with a ticket to the Round of 16 at stake — was perhaps the toughest pill to swallow.
For a moment, Alas Pilipinas had victory in its grasp. A solid kill block by Kim Malabunga on Ali Haghparast put the hosts up 20-18, sending the arena into a frenzy while the Iranians dropped to their knees in disbelief.
Then came the challenge. Iran head coach Roberto Piazza called for a review, and officials ruled Malabunga’s right hand grazed the net on his way down. The point was reversed.
Haghparast and Yousef Kazemi then sealed the win for Iran, crushing not just the team’s hopes but the country’s dreams of advancing further.
“Sayang po kasi akala namin sa atin na, pero sayang lang po talaga,” Espejo said, his voice breaking as he tried to hold back tears.
“Almost. Ah, sakit. Sa atin dapat pero hindi pa po talaga time ngayon.”
Still, the 6-foot-3 outside spiker found reasons to be proud.
Alas Pilipinas came into the World Championship as rank outsiders — 82nd in the world, earning their spot only because the Philippines was hosting the tournament. Yet they managed to defy expectations.
On Tuesday, the Nationals stunned reigning African champions Egypt in their first-ever World Championship win, a 29-27, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21 triumph that made history and fueled belief.
Two nights later, they nearly pulled off another miracle, pushing World No. 16 Iran to the limit before bowing out.
“Proud po talaga ako sa team na ’to, sa ating inabot, kasi wala naman pong nag-e-expect na aabot sa ganito pa tayo. Maka-isang set nga lang parang history na sa team, pero nanalo pa ng isang game at lumaban pa sa Iran na top team at na-force yung five sets,” said Espejo, who tallied 15 points in the loss.
“Sinabi ko sa team na nothing to be ashamed of talaga kasi ginawa lang talaga namin yung best namin. Happy ako and proud ako sa team na ’to.”
Yes, it ended in pain—a celebration turned into misery in mere moments. But this campaign proved one undeniable truth: Alas Pilipinas has plenty of aces up their sleeves.
And maybe, just maybe, in another universe, it was them who marched on to the Round of 16.
#WATCH: NOTHING TO BE ASHAMED OF 🇵🇭🏐
Marck Espejo holds back tears after Alas Pilipinas’ exit 😭#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/Qz7Jw9wJUc
📹 @justinvalencia_ /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/eA8dmPavTA
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) September 18, 2025
