MARCK Espejo and the Philippine men's national volleyball team are off to Chinese Taipei for the 2023 Asian Men's Volleyball Challenge Cup from July 8 to 15.
Espejo believes the Philippines can come up with a solid performance in the 17-team tournament.
"Skills-wise naman po, nandun na 'yung high level. Mas kailangan lang namin siguro palakasin pa 'yung pag-gel ng team, 'yung familliarity sa isa't isa kasi sa skills naman, hindi naman nagkakalayo sa ibang bansa at kaya naman makipag-sabayan," Espejo said.
"'Yung tagal talaga ng pagsasama 'yung kailangan naming palakasin pa," he added.

Espejo will be joined by reigning Spikers' Turf MVP Jao Umandal, La Salle's Noel Kampton, and the team's newest addition, California-based open hitter prospect Ryan Ka.
Coached by Sergio Veloso, who was hired recently by Ateneo for its women's volleyball team, the Philippine squad placed fifth in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games.
"Siyempre hindi naman namin goal na manalo. Siguro sabi nga ni Coach Sergio Veloso tungkol sa philosophy ng team is 'yung ibigay mo 'yung 110% mo everytime," Espejo shared.
"Siguro makita lang namin at ni Coach Sergio 'yung mga tinuturo niya during practices. Kasi sa kanya, kahit hindi ka maka-puntos basta you're doing the right thing na in-aapply mo 'yung tinuturo niya, para sa kanya ay perfect na 'yun," he added.
READ: Marck Espejo set to play for Incheon in Korea V. League
For Espejo, in particular, the upcoming AVC Challenge Cup will be his last national team stint for now as he embarks on a new journey with Korea V.League's defending champs Incheon Korean Air Jumbos for the 2023-24 season.
"After AVC [Challenge Cup] ay pupunta na po akong Korea. Siguro hindi po ata ako makakalaro sa Southeast Asia, 'yung parang Grand Prix, pero babalik naman po ako siguro and si Bryan before Asian Games."
Also included in the 14-man national team roster are Kim Dayandante, Madzlan Gampong, Rex Intal, Lloyd Josfat, Vince Lorenzo, Kim Malabunga, Vince Mangulabnan, Chumason Njigha, Steve Rotter, and Roy Sumanguid.
The Philippines plays Mongolia on Sunday. Also in its group is Macau.
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