After turning heads on the world stage, Alas Pilipinas Men are back, this time setting their sights on Southeast Asian glory at the 33rd SEA Games in Bangkok, Thailand. Their historic run in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship—finishing 19th and missing the round of 16 by just two points—has not only raised expectations at home but also caught the attention of their regional rivals.
“During and after po nung World Championship, ‘yung magandang run po ng Philippines against mga top countries, I’m sure po and confident po na lahat ng makakalaban namin sa SEA Games pinaghahandaan po talaga tayo,” said star outside spiker Marck Espejo, 28. “Parang all eyes on us po, pero siyempre different level, different ambiance."
Anticipating tough competition, Alas Pilipinas has left no stone unturned. Players were pulled from their Spikers’ Turf clubs mid-Inivational Conference to focus on SEA Games preparations. A two-week training camp in Taiwan last month helped sharpen their skills before returning home to continue fine-tuning under the guidance of Coach Angiolino Frigoni.
With preparations nearly complete, Espejo said the team is eager to showcase the results of their hard work and bring home a medal.
“Pero ‘yun, excited pa rin po kasi ‘yung pinaghahandaan talaga namin, makakuha po ng medal sa SEA Games. Any color po will do,” he added.
