BRYAN Bagunas has caught the eyes of the international volleyball community following an impressive pair of performances for Alas Pilipinas Men in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.
The captain dropped 22 off the beat in the Philippines’ debut loss to Tunisia, 13-25, 17-25, 23-25.
He’d follow it up with a commanding 23-point outing in the Filipinos’ historic first win in the FIVB Worlds against Egypt, 29-27, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21.
READ: Alas Men make history after taking first FIVB Worlds win vs Egypt
A champion in Taiwan and set to team up with sporting greats Yuji Nishida and Antoine Brizard for Japan’s Osaka Bluteon, it’s as if the world is already at the 27-year-old Bagunas’ feet.
But in moments like Tuesday night, Bagunas was reminded of how nothing will ever outweigh the pride of wearing the flag on one’s chest for the rest of the world to see.
“Siyempre, isang honor and nakaka-proud na naiko-contribute ko yung talent ko, lalong-lalo na dito sa country natin,” he said.
“Iba pa rin kasi kapag naglalaro ka talaga sa country mo. Nandu’n yung pride talaga and lalong-lalo na yung suporta ng Filipino fans, sobrang nafi-feel.”
Low expectation, high satisfaction
The way he further described it, there’s just an extra special feeling in embodying the underdog spirit Filipinos have long been known for in world sport.
With a chance to take an even greater leap on Thursday as a Round of 16 spot hangs in the balance, Bagunas is taking it slow and steady, as he puts what he’s trained and worked hard for in recovering over the past year to the ultimate test.
“Sabi naman namin nothing to lose. Go lang at i-e-enjoy lang namin yung laro,” Bagunas said.
“Kung ano yung natutunan namin, apply lang namin. Dahan-dahan lang, one point at a time. Sabi nga nung coach [Angiolino Frigoni] namin before the start of the game, ayun nga, every point is a victory.”
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