CANDON CITY — Alas Pilipinas Men’s worst nightmare on home soil has come true.
The Philippines missed out on a podium finish in Leg 1 of the 2025 SEA V.League after getting schooled by Indonesia, 19-25, 17-25, 17-25, on Sunday at the Candon City Arena.
Entering the tournament finale, the Philippines needed a Cambodia win over Thailand and a win against Indonesia to win the country’s first-ever men’s volleyball gold medal in international play.
Neither outcomes played out.
Alas’ tournament-leading scorer Leo Ordiales scored 12 points in their home-leg heartbreak.
His National U cohorts Buds Buddin and Jade Disquitado had six markers each.
"Medyo nakulangan lang kami sa naging performance namin Siguro sa pasa, Medyo off kami du'n at di kami [nakapag-adjust] nang maayos," Buddin said.
"Very thankful pa rin naman na walang na-injure sa amin. I-work out pa namin lalo ‘yung pasa namin at depensa namin, para mas gumanda pa ‘yung perfomance namin sa mga next tournament na lalaruin namin at haharapin namin."
Even with identical 2-2 records, Vietnam edged out the Philippines for bronze by virtue of a superior match points haul.
Vietnam had seven match points while Alas tallied just five.
Alas saw its run of back-to-back bronze-medal finishes in both legs of last year’s competition come to an end, finishing second-to-last in fourth place for the third time in two years.
As such, Indonesia completes the podium as the silver medalist along with three-peat champion Thailand and bronze medalist Vietnam.
A chance at redemption awaits in Leg 2 of the regional meet from July 16 to 20 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
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