SOME six years ago, Philippine men’s volleyball had its biggest breakthrough in recent memory when it won silver in the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
That unlikely path to a first biennial meet podium in 28 years and first gold medal game in 48 years took a massive five-set win over five-peat-seeking Thailand before yielding to Indonesia in the finals.
In fact, more people attended that semis win against Thailand (6,700) at the 10,000-seater Philsports Arena than Alas’ FIVB Worlds breakthrough over Egypt (6,043) at a roughly 20,000-seater Mall of Asia Arena.
READ: Mission Possible? Alas plays Iran in FIVB Worlds do-or-die match
For the two men who held the fort in both feats in Marck Espejo and Bryan Bagunas, there isn’t one home tournament that felt more awe-inspiring than the other.
“Winning a game po dito sa World Championship, parang isa na po talagang big, big, big achievement para sa Philippines po,” Espejo said.
“Iba pa rin po talaga yung SEA Games na feeling kasi siyempre, with medal po yun. Ito, game pa lang po at hindi pa naman po natatapos lahat sa game na ‘to.”
Bagunas saw the FIVB Worlds milestone as a launchpad to prove that the Philippines can leave a lasting imprint in the world stage, too.
“Ito na siguro yung simula na para makita namin na hindi lang kami hanggang SEA Games, hindi lang kami hanggang Asian Games, may ibubuga rin kami sa World Championship kagaya nga nito,” the Alas captain said.
“Malayo [pa pwede naming marating] sobra kasi tingin ko, sobrang underdog ng Pilipinas.
“Sa tiyaga at sa suporta ng Filipinos, nandoon tayo. Parang kaya nating ibigay yung best natin, kaya natin makipag-compete sa high level.”
A chance to take its ascent even higher awaits Alas Pilipinas on Thursday as a win over reigning three-time Asian Games champion Iran sends the Nationals to the FIVB Worlds Round of 16 appearance on their very first try.
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