MARCK Espejo acknowledged that he needs to work much harder to meet expectations when he sees action in the tough Japan league.
The UAAP scoring leader and five-time MVP, Espejo is gearing up for a stint with Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler in the second-tier V1 League, where competition will be much fiercer and the quality of play much higher.
“It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he said. “I have to work harder, double time and effort ko.”
“Ang level ng competition sa Japan is different nga sa Pilipinas. Kailangan ko ipakita ang talent ko, at isa pang maganda is to represent the country,” he added.
His Japan stint starts in September after Cignal's campaign in the Premier Volleyball League.
Espejo will be away from his family for an extended period for the first time, but he said the sacrifice will be worth it.
“I really worked hard for this, this is my dream, it's a step-by-step process,” he said. “I think it's hard for me because this is my first time to play abroad but I will take it as a challenge and I want to empower youth din to inspire them to play volleyball.”
“‘Yung experience and ’yung technique and program nila sa Japan madadala ko dito para ma-share sa teammates and sa volleyball program talaga,” he added.
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