After helping steer Philippine men’s volleyball to glory in the 30th Southeast Asian Games, Marck Espejo is set to embark on a new journey in Thailand.
The five-time UAAP Most Valuable Player will be suiting up for Visakha Volleyball Club in the Men’s Volleyball Thailand League.
“’Yun nga, maglalaro ako sa isang Thai club, ‘yung team ko Visakha,” said Espejo, following the Philippines’ heart-breaking loss against Indonesia in the gold medal round.
Espejo, who joined forces with Bryan Bagunas in the regional biennial meet, ended the Philippines’ 42-year hiatus in the championship round. They also denied Southeast Asian powerhouse Thailand of a five-peat in the process.
The Filipino spikers’ dream run came to an abrupt end, though, as they fell to the Indonesians in three sets. They ended up settling for their first silver finish since 1977.
“Siguro aalis ako dito sa Philippines na may medal, tapos siyempre proud ako sa sarili ako. Proud ako sa bawat isa na nakapag-podium finish,” shared Espejo, who finished with 15 points for the Philippines.
Despite the heartbreaking defeat, Espejo remains proud of what he and his brothers-in-arms achieved throughout the tournament — making their silver medal shine like gold. Moreover, he is more than happy to help inspire younger generations to pursue the sport that has always been deemed as feminine.
“Pero ‘yun nga, ‘di naman para sa amin ‘tong nangyari. May part, pero para sa mga kabataan din ‘to na gusto rin i-try ‘yung volleyball na may future din sa men’s volleyball.”
Espejo, who played for Oita Miyoshi last year, won back-to-back titles with the Cignal HD Spikers in the 2019 Spikers’ Turf tournament.
The 22-year-old Ateneo product will leave for Bangkok, Thailand on December 15.
