EXACTLY 384 days since going down with a knee injury, Bryan Bagunas made sure not to miss Philippine volleyball’s biggest moment.
The Alas Pilipinas Men captain made a smashing comeback from injury in the country’s tournament-opening 13-25, 17-25, 23-25 loss to Tunisia in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Bagunas gave the world a glimpse of his talent with an explosive 23-point act built on 20 attacks, two aces and one block to lead, leading a gallant stand by the hosts against the many-time African champions.
READ Alas Men go down fighting against Tunisia in FIVB Worlds debut
During a year-long absence that saw him get cut from his former Taiwanese champion club Win Streak, Bagunas exhausted all means necessary to fast-track his comeback despite the severity of his injury.
“Simula nung na-injured ako, sinabi ko talaga sa sarili ko na magsusumikap ulit ako para makabalik agad sa loob ng court at makapag-represent sa country,” Bagunas shared with SPIN.ph moments after his comeback game with the national team.
“Sobrang natutuwa ako na nandito na ulit ako. I'm very proud na nire-represent ko na ulit ang bansa.”
Getting back in shape wasn't easy. But Bagunas didn’t let his setbacks dampen his spirit, even if it meant watching the rest of the national team play for long stretches without him.
“‘Yung strengthening, medyo nahirapan ako du’n pero hindi naman ako nagpa-down du’n kasi nandu’n pa rin talaga ‘yung eagerness ko na makabalik and play again,” Bagunas said.
“Sa akin kasi that time, alam ko na magkakaroon ng World Championship sa Pilipinas kaya sabi ko, kailangang nandu’n ako. Kailangang makatulong ako sa Team Philippines sa world championship.”
Wins won’t be handed on a silver platter in a group that features African and Asian giants like Tunisia, Egypt and Iran.
But from here on out, it’s all about introducing Philippine volleyball to the world.
“Hstory na ito. First time namin mag-join sa ganitong klaseng event, tournament, kaya ang mission ko ay mapakita sa mga Filipino volleyball fans, lalo na sa world, na ang Philippine men's volleyball ay may ibubuga din sa ganito klaseng tournament,” he said.
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