In the realm of Philippine men's volleyball, Marck Espejo and Bryan Bagunas stand as towering figures, not just for their prowess on the court but for their unwavering dedication to elevating the sport in their homeland, the Philippines.
Amidst their international triumphs, these two volleyball icons always find their way back to their roots, eager to contribute to the flourishing local men's volleyball scene.
Bagunas, fresh from clinching his second consecutive Top Volleyball League title with WinStreak, wasted no time in returning to don the Cignal jersey, leading his team to a resounding straight-set victory over Air Force.
Similarly, Espejo, riding high from a championship campaign with the Incheon Korean Air Jumbos in the Korea V.League, swiftly rejoined Criss Cross, hitting the court for a much-anticipated showdown against Bagunas and the HD Spikers.
Although the King Crunchers suffered a narrow defeat, the match was a testament to the burgeoning rivalry between these two titans of the sport.
For Espejo, the significance of the matchup extended far beyond the final score. "I was surprised. If this were held at Paco Arena, it might not have been enough," he quipped.
"I hope they enjoyed the game, even if their supported team didn't win. I hope we gave them a good fight."
Despite their international endeavors, Bagunas and Espejo remained steadfast in their commitment to fostering excitement and enthusiasm for men's volleyball in the Philippines.
"Our goal is simple," Bagunas emphasized.
"We want to show people what men's volleyball is all about and get them excited about it."
Their return to Philippine soil served as a poignant reminder of the impact they have had on the local volleyball landscape.
From their storied rivalry in the UAAP to their historic silver medal at the 30th Southeast Asian Games, Bagunas and Espejo have been instrumental in revitalizing men's volleyball and inspiring a new generation of athletes.
Looking ahead to the future, with the FIVB World Championship looming on the horizon, Espejo and Bagunas understand the importance of their role in shaping the sport's trajectory.
"We hope that by coming back to the Philippines, we can help elevate men's volleyball," Espejo expressed optimistically.
