CANDON CITY, ILOCOS SUR — On paper, the rise of National University standout Leo Ordiales in the international volleyball scene appears to be the result of his relentless desire and determination to make an immediate impact for Alas Pilipinas Men ahead of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, set from September 12 to 28.
But behind his breakout performance lies a lesser-known secret — one he has quietly carried, especially after being thrust into a bigger offensive role in the absence of team captain Marck Espejo during the first leg of the 2025 SEA V.League at the Candon City Arena here.
For Ordiales, the mentorship of veterans like five-time UAAP MVP Espejo and fellow NU product Owa Retamar played a major role in helping the 22-year-old achieve his first international volleyball accolade.
Having been roommates during the 2025 AVC Nations Cup in Bahrain last June, the chemistry between Espejo and Ordiales blossomed, which proved crucial in Ordiales being named the tournament’s Best Opposite Hitter.
“Sa Bahrain, magka-roommate kami ni kuya Marck, lagi kami nag-uusap. Sabi niya sa’kin na mag-all-out lang lagi at pakita ko lang yung best ko para makatulong sa team,” Ordiales told Tiebreaker Times following the Philippines’ straight-sets loss to Indonesia to close out the leg.
By the end of the annual regional tournament, Ordiales was recognized as the Best Opposite Hitter, finishing as the fourth-best scorer with 64 points built on 60 attacks, two blocks, and two aces.
Beyond Espejo’s guidance, Ordiales also credited the steady presence of Retamar for helping him adjust and thrive in the international arena.
“Si Kuya Owa naman ay sobrang gaan talaga kasama kasi talagang mahilig siya makipag-communicate sa spiker, which is good naman. Parang siya yung nag-aadvice sa amin,” he shared.
With Espejo and Bryan Bagunas both nearing their return from injury, Ordiales remains committed to sharpening his game ahead of the second leg of the SEA V.League in Jakarta, Indonesia, from July 16 to 20, followed by a crucial European training camp.
That mindset is rooted in the belief that the team will need an all-hands-on-deck effort for the historic challenge of facing the 31 best teams in the world when the Philippines hosts the FIVB World Championship for the very first time.
“Siguro tuloy-tuloy lang sa training, give 100-percent pa rin. Gusto pa rin namin matuto ng marami at marami pa talaga kami papagdaanan para maging ready kami sa World Championship,” said the 6-foot-2 opposite spiker.
“Siguro, ano lang, patuloy lang sa pag-iimprove kasi alam ko babalik naman sila pero kung sakali man na hindi, ready naman ako para mag-perform at para tulungan yung mga teammates ko, tulungan yung Pilipinas.”
#WATCH: Leo Ordiales expresses gratitude after bagging his first-ever international volleyball award 🏐🇵🇭
📹 @ernesttuazon /Tiebreaker Times#SEAVLeague pic.twitter.com/IQ0PJtSFAU
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) July 13, 2025
