SEVEN months into his rehabilitation from an undisclosed knee injury, Bryan Bagunas has his sights set on a historic encore of their silver-medal run in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games on home soil.
Reaching the podium might be a stretch on paper for the world No. 64 Alas Pilipinas, but the thought of representing the country in the biggest global men’s volleyball competition is already a historic feat in itself.
READ: Bryan Bagunas not missing FIVB Volleyball World Championship
“‘Yung pag-join sa World Championship, kasaysayan na ‘to eh. Pagdating sa paglalaro, kailangan lang namin ipakita (‘yung best namin) kasi alam naman natin na underdog kami,” Bagunas said.
The nationals might be disadvantaged in several aspects against international opposition, from height to experience and the like.
What they won’t be running short of is pride and passion — one Bagunas hopes will be enough to make significant leaps and avoid hitting rock-bottom in the 32-etam field.
“Sobrang malalaki ‘yung kalaban namin, sobrang experienced na sila. Nakapaglaro na sila sa ganitong klaseng tournament. Siguro, kailangan lang namin pakita na hindi kami makukulelat at lalaban kami.
“Minsan lang naman ito mangyari sa buhay ko na maka-join sa World Championships. Gagawin ko ‘yung best ko para maka-recover agad para maka-join sa Alas Pilipinas.”
An inspiring road back
Bagunas got hurt in the final play of Set 3 in a sweep loss to Thailand after a failed jump serve during Alas’ home leg finale of the 2024 SEA V.League in August last year.
Alas head coach Angiolino Frigoni was quick to shut down any inquiry on Bagunas’ status for the worlds.
Now, straight from the lion’s mouth, Bagunas assured his impending return to the national team in time for the World Championship on September.
“So far, okay naman na ‘yung recovery ko. Ngayon nag-momoovement na ako. Siguro by this month, back to jumping exercise. Nag-fofocus talaga ako sa therapy para makabalik agad.”
With his first child on the way as his partner Nicole Tracy Tan is set to give birth soon, expect Bagunas to be extra motivated to regain full fitness as soon as he can and extra inspired to show out for Alas Pilipinas.
“Sobrang inspired ko lalo na lalabas na ‘yung magiging anak ko. Siyempre gusto ko pagka panganak niya, makikikita niya ‘yung tatay niya na nire-represent ‘yung Pilipinas,” Davison said.
“‘Yun ‘yung pinaka gusto kong mangyari kasi isang malaking karangalan ‘yung nirerepresent mo ‘yung bansa.”
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
