MARCK Espejo and Bryan Bagunas are back at full strength for Alas Pilipinas Men just under three weeks before the country’s hosting of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.
The multi-awarded scoring duo joined the Nationals’ ongoing training camp in Europe, their last before heading back home for the group stage of the global conclave.
READ Alas Men to make final cuts two days before FIVB Worlds
“I’m taking it day by day, training by training, as I work to catch up with the team after coming back from injury,” said Espejo all the way from Santo Tirso, Portugal in the last leg of their European camp.
“Training here is intense in the morning and in the afternoon session, we focus on strength, conditioning and game systems,” Bagunas added.
“Coach Angiolino [Frigoni] has been pushing us to be disciplined and smart on the court, and I think that’s making a big difference in our preparation.”
Both Bagunas and, more recently, Espejo were dealt knee and ankle injuries that saw them miss significant game time during the Nationals’ regional competitions since last year.
Alas Men have now reached the home stretch of their European trip, following a series of tuneup matches and training sessions in Morocco and Romania over the last few weeks.
Against all odds
The odds will be heavily stacked against the Philippines as the lowest-ranked team at No. 77 among the 32 competing nations.
It will take on a trio of Asian and African giants in Tunisia (Sep. 12), Egypt (Sep. 16) and Iran (Sep. 18) in a bid to make it out of Pool A and into a breakthrough playoff run.
Espejo, however, isn’t lacking in confidence on what a home team blessed with both youth and experience can do against some of the world’s best volleyball nations.
“It’s a well-balanced team for long-term growth,” Espejo said. “We have experienced veterans and kuyas who provide leadership, and younger players with fresh legs and a lot of energy.
“I will take this challenge seriously and give my very best. I’m excited, right now we’re focused on bringing out the team’s full potential. We’re enjoying the camp, playing against top teams, and learning a lot.”
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
