Marck Espejo, one of the top volleyball players in the Philippines, is embarking on a new challenge as he joins the 32-man pool for the Asian Quota tryout of the Korean Volleyball League men's division. This opportunity comes after he encountered contract issues and failed to secure a spot in the Volleyball Thailand League.
Despite these setbacks, Espejo remains determined to play abroad again and hopes to make the most of this new opportunity. "I really hope to play abroad again because I encountered problems this season. I hope it will continue," Espejo said after Cignal's recent win against Iloilo in the 2023 Spikers' Turf Open Conference round-robin semis.
Espejo has played as an import in Japan, Bahrain, and Thailand, making him no stranger to playing overseas. Now, he is eager to explore new terrain and take on the Korean Volleyball League.
Espejo played for Oita Miyoshi in Japan V.League Division 1 during the 2018-19 season before suiting up for Visakha in VTL in 2020. He then moved to Bahrain and played for Bani Jamra in late 2020 before returning to Japan with FC Tokyo in the 2021-22 season.
Espejo is not the only Filipino player to have played overseas in the men's division. Bryan Bagunas, Jau Umandal, Madz Gampong, and Jayvee Sumagaysay are among the others. Umandal, along with first-timers JP Bugaoan and Manuel Sumanguid, is also among the tryouts for the KVL, which will take place on April 25 to 27 in Jeju Gymnasium.
Espejo is hopeful that he and his fellow Filipino players will be able to make the cut and be drafted into the KVL. "Of course, I am happy because there is another opportunity to play abroad, and not just me, but many Filipinos are trying out there," he said.
Before his tryouts in South Korea, however, Espejo is focusing on the Spikers' Turf, where he is determined to help Cignal reclaim the title they lost last year to National University. With the team on the verge of another Finals appearance, Espejo is giving his all in the current conference. "I am focusing on the Spikers' Turf for now. Whatever result we get here will also motivate me towards the Korea tryout," he added.
For Espejo, this chance to play overseas once again is not just an opportunity to demonstrate his skills on an international stage. It is also a chance to inspire other Filipino players and give hope to those who dream of playing overseas.
