With the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship fast approaching, Alas Pilipinas may have found its spark — and it’s none other than Marck Espejo, who is rapidly returning to vintage form right when the country needs him most.
Over the course of the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals held from June 10 to 12 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, the five-time UAAP MVP reminded fans why he’s still ‘The Phenom’, capping off the three-day tournament with a performance that combined power, poise, and passion.
Espejo had limited court time in the Nationals’ opening victory over Indonesia’s Bhayangkara Presisi, but quickly made his presence felt in the next match. Starting against Korea’s Hyundai Capital, he erupted for 20 points off 17 attacks, two aces, and a block to help secure a four-set win.
Then came the grand finale — and Espejo’s most electrifying performance in years.
In a thrilling five-set battle against SEA Games rival Thailand, Espejo delivered a masterclass with 30 points in Alas Pilipinas’ 21-25, 25-21, 25-22, 21-25, 15-12 comeback win. The triumph completed a 3-0 sweep for the hosts and broke a nearly six-year drought against the Thais.
But for Espejo, the best is yet to come.
“Hindi pa naman. Siyempre lahat naman tayo may parang… Walang limit ‘yung expectations sa sarili natin. Kung kaya i-push nang sobra-sobra, i-push talaga. Pero team sport naman itong volleyball. Feel ko marami pang puwedeng lumabas, hopefully,” Espejo said, speaking to reporters after the win.
Though only an invitational, the victory meant more to the 6-foot-3 outside spiker.
The last time the Philippines beat Thailand was during the historic semifinals of the 30th SEA Games in 2019 — a win that sent the Nationals to their first-ever gold medal match in the biennial meet.
“Masaya kasi huling panalo ko against Thailand was 2019, pero hindi naman ito ‘yung magba-base talaga kasi Invitationals lang ito. Parang ito lang ‘yung gauge namin kung nasaan ‘yung team pero siyempre, beating Thailand nakaka-boost ng confidence,” Espejo admitted.
This latest win not only marked a personal comeback for Espejo but also symbolized a turning point for a retooled Alas Pilipinas squad preparing for the 2025 AVC Men’s Volleyball Nations Cup in Manama, Bahrain from June 17 to 24 — the first step in the long road to the World Championship.
More than the wins and individual milestones, Espejo is also grateful for the momentum the men’s game is gaining in a country long dominated by women’s volleyball fandom. He hopes the recent victories and upcoming global stage will only fuel further interest and support.
“Siyempre, alam naman natin dito sa Philippines, women’s volleyball talaga. Pero ito ngayon, itong men’s volleyball umaangat na rin, at siyempre di naman dahil din sa’min ‘yun, dahil din talaga sa sumusuporta na fans. Sa dadating na World Championships, inaasahan po namin na suportahan niyo po talaga kami — kahit kalaban namin Japan, please kami suportahan niyo,” he shared.
“Kidding aside, maraming maraming salamat po talaga sa suporta niyo. Manalo, matalo, victory ng Philippines.”
#WATCH: Buds Buddin, Kim Malabunga, and Marck Espejo share their thoughts on finally breaking through and beating Thailand 🇵🇭🏐
📹 @ernesttuazon /Tiebreaker Times#Sambansa #AlasInvitationals pic.twitter.com/9GXQ09gNFE
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) June 12, 2025
