Scratched from the lineup due to an injury, Marck Espejo is one proud kuya after witnessing the young Alas Pilipinas finish with a bronze medal in the 2024 Southeast Asia V.League last Sunday.
The Philippines lost to Thailand in straight sets to close the opening leg of the tourney, but their opening-day win over Vietnam proved to be enough for them to secure third place—their first podium finish in an international tournament since the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
“Masaya po kasi from last year na SEA V.League [na] fourth place, ngayon third place na sa first leg. Panibagong achievement pero malayo pa po, malayo pa pero nakikita naman po natin na meron po [at] marami pang pwedeng matutunan,” said Espejo.
Espejo mentioned that he will not see action with the national team until April next year but is definitely planning to return for the Southeast Asian Games and, of course, the 2025 FIVB World Championships, which the Philippines will host.
(C) AVC
The five-time UAAP MVP, who is currently in rehab, is set to return to the Japan for the inaugural season of the SV.League with the Kubota Spears Osaka this September.
“Balik po ko, next year po ako [sa national team]. Hindi po ako makakalaro sa second leg. Aalis na po ako [sa] September, balik po ako April. Pero hindi pa natin sure baka bigla akong maglaro [if available],” said Espejo.
In recent years, Espejo has played for Bani Jamra in Bahrain, FC Tokyo in Japan, and Incheon Korean Air Jumbos in Korea, before making his return to the Philippines with the Criss Cross King Crunchers, which he led to a silver medal in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference.
Espejo expressed his excitement for his new journey with Osaka and meeting his new teammates.
“Very excited po. New players, new team, new environment. Ano po, naglolook forward nako na ma-meet sila and happy ako nakabalik ako sa Japan.”
