Alas Pilipinas had its moments, but Tunisia proved too strong, bowing in straight sets, 13-25, 17-25, 23-25, in their 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship debut on Friday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Returning Bryan Bagunas gave world no. 82 Philippines its best moment in its historic first appearance on the global stage with a third set to remember, but it was not enough.
With the Carthage Eagles eager to pull away, 20-17, Bagunas, who played his first official game since injuring his left knee in August 2024, unleashed all his might and power to the delight of a huge crowd gathered in the arena, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“Sa third set, nakita ko naman ‘yung potential ng men’s volleyball. Sobrang natuwa ako na maganda yung performance nung third set but ‘yun nga hindi naging maganda ‘yung outcome but for sure babawi kami sa next game,” said Bagunas.
The 6-foot-5 outside spiker scored the Philippines’ next six points, going on a personal 6-3 blitz to tie things up at 23.
However, Tunisia, ranked 43rd in the world, showed up in the clutch to start its Pool A campaign on a strong note.
Oussama Ben Romdhane hammered a ball off the hands of Peng Taguibolos to reach match point. He then served strong, leading to a bad reception for Marck Espejo that forced Josh Ybañez to chase the ball near the end of the playing court, resulting in an easy putaway for Khaled Ben Slimene for the win in one hour and 22 minutes.
“We played three sets. The first two, especially the first one, were very tense. Too much emotions for the players, especially for the [younger ones,] but slowly we started to play our volleyball with defense and good attacks. The third set was what I would like for this team, that they fight for every point,” said Alas head coach Angiolino Frigoni.
Bagunas delivered 23 points, including 11 in the inspired third frame performance. He made that on an efficient 20-of-37 spiking clip along with two aces and a block.
Marck Espejo followed with nine points, but the next highest scorer was Taguibolos with just four markers.
“Happy ako kay [Bryan] na naka-recover, ang gandang recovery kasi siya pa rin ang ace ng team, happy at proud ako sa kaniya pero as a team naman po, kailangan namin mas magtulungan pa,” said Espejo, urging his teammates to provide more support.
The Philippines (0-1) will look to enter the win column when it faces world no. 23 Egypt, the reigning African Nations champion, on Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. at the same Pasay venue.
Romdhane led the 11-time African champions to a 1-0 record in Pool A with 17 points on 15-of-22 spikes and two blocks.
His backup did not lack as well, with Ahmed Kadhi, Elyes Karamosli, and Ali Bongui chipping in nine points apiece.
