Marck Espejo may have been sidelined due to injury, but that hasn’t stopped him from being one of the most vocal supporters of Alas Pilipinas.
Watching from the sidelines, the five-time UAAP MVP beamed with pride as the young Philippine national men’s volleyball team clinched the bronze medal in the 2024 Southeast Asia V.League.
It was a momentous occasion—Alas Pilipinas’ first podium finish in an international tournament since the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
The road to the bronze wasn’t easy. Alas Pilipinas faced a tough challenge in their final match, succumbing to Thailand in straight sets. However, their opening-day triumph over Vietnam proved crucial, securing them a well-deserved third place in the tournament’s first leg.
“Masaya po kasi from last year na SEA V.League [na] fourth place, ngayon third place na sa first leg. Panibagong achievement pero malayo pa po, malayo pa pero nakikita naman po natin na meron po [at] marami pang pwedeng matutunan,” Espejo said.
Espejo’s absence on the court was felt, but his leadership off it was just as impactful.
The star spiker revealed that he won’t be donning the national colors until April next year, as he continues to focus on his recovery.
But make no mistake—Espejo’s return is highly anticipated, especially with the upcoming Southeast Asian Games and the 2025 FIVB World Championships, which the Philippines will host.
“Balik po ko, next year po ako [sa national team]. Hindi po ako makakalaro sa second leg. Aalis na po ako [sa] September, balik po ako April. Pero hindi pa natin sure baka bigla akong maglaro [if available],” Espejo shared.
Espejo’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable.
After stints in Bahrain with Bani Jamra, Japan with FC Tokyo, and Korea with the Incheon Korean Air Jumbos, Espejo made a triumphant return to the Philippines, leading the Criss Cross King Crunchers to a silver medal in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference. But his volleyball journey is far from over.
As he gears up for a new chapter with the Kubota Spears Osaka in Japan’s V.League, Espejo’s excitement is palpable.
“Very excited po. New players, new team, new environment. Ano po, naglolook forward nako na ma-meet sila and happy ako nakabalik ako sa Japan,” he said, eager to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
