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Tag: Alas Pilipinas Men

  • Josh Ybañez rallies young Alas Pilipinas ahead of must-win clash with Indonesia 

    Josh Ybañez rallies young Alas Pilipinas ahead of must-win clash with Indonesia 

    The opening-day loss may have put Alas Pilipinas Men in a difficult position, but Josh Ybañez believes the tournament is far from over.

     

    With a semifinal berth hanging in the balance, the veteran libero challenged the national team’s youthful core to quickly move on from its heartbreaking five-set defeat to Cambodia and embrace an even bigger test against regional powerhouse Indonesia on Friday in the 6th SEA V.Cup at the Candon City Arena.

     

    For Ybañez, who experienced his own national team debut just last year during the FIVB Men’s World Championship and the Philippines’ bronze-medal finish in the Southeast Asian Games, the current campaign is about helping a new generation adjust to the pressures of international volleyball.

     

    Despite nursing an ankle sprain suffered on the eve of the tournament, the three-time UAAP MVP still suited up and anchored the Philippine floor defense, refusing to let the injury keep him from representing the country.

     

    “Thanks to the painkillers, I was able to push through. Honestly, even before the competition, I had already set my mindset. I knew it was only a mild sprain. It was painful, but once the game starts, it’s different—you don’t really feel it as much. I just fought through it,” said Ybañez in Filipino.

    The Filipinos pushed Cambodia to the limit before absorbing a 25-23, 28-30, 25-20, 22-25, 15-8 defeat, a result that leaves them needing a strong performance against Indonesia to keep their semifinal hopes alive.

     

    Ybañez, however, refused to dwell on the setback and instead acknowledged the quality of their opening-day opponent.

     

    “Every team is competitive, including Cambodia. Credit to them because they played really well. There were a lot of factors behind our loss, but they deserve the credit because they had a great game,” he added.

     

    The challenge only gets tougher against an Indonesian squad that has long established itself as one of Southeast Asia’s volleyball powerhouses, boasting multiple SEA Games titles and entering the match as the defending SEA V.Cup Leg 2 champion.

     

    Still, Ybañez believes the inexperience of the current Philippine roster should not overshadow the progress it has already shown.

     

    “We came into this tournament with zero expectations because this is a new team made up mostly of young players. I’m really proud of them because we fought until the end. Now, our 

    focus shifts to our next game against Indonesia, and we’ll do our best to give them a good fight,” said Ybañez.

     

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    The rebuilding squad also found encouraging signs in the emergence of several new faces.

    Jude Garcia made an immediate impact in his long-awaited indoor national team debut, finishing with 20 points after years of starring in beach volleyball and the Spikers’ Turf.

     

    “We’ll stick to Coach (Angiolino) Frigoni’s game plan and follow what he wants us to do. We’re going to prepare well because Indonesia is a tough team. Whatever effort we gave today, we’ll have to double or even triple it in our next match,” said Garcia.

     

    Middle blocker Joshua Magalaman also turned heads with a team-high 21 points built on 15 attacks, four blocks, and two service aces, but pointed to one glaring area the team must address before facing Indonesia.

     

    “As a team, we just need to cut down on our errors because that’s really where we lost. We committed too many mistakes. There were also times when they would go on scoring runs and we couldn’t stop their momentum. Reducing our errors is the biggest thing we need to improve,” said Magalaman.

     

    With their backs against the wall, Alas Pilipinas now heads into Friday’s showdown knowing that cleaner execution—and the resilience shown by veterans like Ybañez—could determine whether their SEA V.Cup campaign continues beyond the group stage.

     

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  • “It’s very special”: Jude Garcia opens up on long-awaited national team debut

    “It’s very special”: Jude Garcia opens up on long-awaited national team debut

    The Philippine men’s national volleyball team endured a disappointing start to its 2026 Southeast Asian Volleyball League (SEA V.League) campaign after suffering a hard-fought five-set defeat to Cambodia, 23-25, 30-28, 20-25, 25-22, 8-15, on Wednesday, July 15, at the Candon City Arena.

     

    Despite the setback, Alas Pilipinas Men found encouraging signs in the performances of first-time national team members Joshua Magalaman and Jude Garcia, who both impressed in their international debuts.

     

    Magalaman led the Filipinos with 21 points built on 15 attacks, four blocks, and two service aces, while Garcia added 20 markers as the duo spearheaded the home team’s offensive charge. Although their efforts ultimately fell short against a determined Cambodian squad, both newcomers showed they belong on the international stage.

     

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    For Garcia, however, the match carried significance far beyond the final score.

     

    The Far Eastern University (FEU) standout described wearing the Philippine jersey as the fulfillment of a long-held dream, one that had taken years to become reality.

     

    “It’s very special because ever since I entered Far Eastern University (FEU), it’s been my dream to represent the national team in indoor volleyball,” Garcia said after the match. “The opportunity was delayed for a while, but now that I have been given this chance, I’m making the most of it and showing that I deserve this spot.”

     

    Garcia’s national team journey has been anything but straightforward.

     

    The decorated outside hitter was initially called up to Alas Pilipinas last year but made the difficult decision to decline the invitation in order to prioritize his growing family, choosing to stay home and support his pregnant wife during an important chapter in their lives.

     

    Now finally given the opportunity to don the national colors, Garcia is determined to maximize every chance he gets, both as a scorer and as one of the team’s veteran voices despite making his international debut.

     

    Following the heartbreaking loss, Garcia echoed head coach Angiolino Frigoni’s message of learning from adversity rather than dwelling on it.

     

    “As coach Angiolino Frigoni told us, we have to learn from this loss. Now we will prepare for our next game against Indonesia, and we have to be ready for it,” Garcia said.

    Beyond his contributions on the scoreboard, Garcia recognizes that his responsibilities extend to leadership. Although new to international competition, the 27-year-old is among the more experienced players in the current Alas Pilipinas lineup, a role he has embraced during his successful stint with Criss Cross.

     

    “It’s similar to my role with Criss Cross. I’m one of the oldest players on this team, so I have to be a role model for the younger guys,” Garcia explained.

     

    “I have to be mindful of everything I do—how I help keep them composed on the court and how I guide them during the game.”

     

    His leadership will be even more crucial as the Philippines prepares for a must-win showdown against regional powerhouse Indonesia.

     

    The reigning Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Men’s Cup champions represent one of Southeast Asia’s strongest volleyball programs, meaning Alas Pilipinas will need a significantly improved performance to remain in contention in the opening leg of the SEA V.League.

     

    Garcia acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge but expressed confidence that strict adherence to Frigoni’s system will give the Filipinos their best chance of pulling off an upset.

     

    “We will stick to coach Frigoni’s game plan and follow what he wants us to do,” Garcia said.

     

    “We are going to prepare well because Indonesia is a tough team. Whatever effort we gave today, we will have to double or even triple it in our next match.”

     

    Despite the opening-day disappointment, Garcia’s debut offered another reminder of why he has become one of the country’s most accomplished volleyball players.

     

    A standout during his collegiate career with FEU in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), Garcia established himself as one of the premier outside hitters of his generation. His dominance continued at the club level, where he collected five Most Valuable Player awards while cementing his reputation as one of Philippine volleyball’s elite talents.

     

    His consistent excellence also earned him back-to-back recognition as the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Press Corps Season Most Valuable Player in 2025 and 2026, further highlighting the pedigree he brings to the national team.

     

    With his long-awaited international debut finally behind him, Garcia now hopes to channel both his experience and leadership into helping Alas Pilipinas bounce back quickly as they seek their first victory of the tournament against Indonesia on Friday, July 17.

     

     

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  • Joshua Magalaman shines in Alas Pilipinas debut despite loss to Cambodia 

    Joshua Magalaman shines in Alas Pilipinas debut despite loss to Cambodia 

    For Joshua Magalaman, wearing the Alas Pilipinas jersey for the first time became more than just a career milestone—it turned into a statement that he may be ready for a much bigger role moving forward.

     

    The De La Salle middle blocker delivered an eye-catching performance in his senior national team debut, pouring in a team-high 21 points despite the Philippines falling to Cambodia in a grueling five-set battle, 23-25, 30-28, 20-25, 25-22, 15-8, on Wednesday at the Candon City Arena.


    While the result left Alas Pilipinas searching for its first win in Pool A of the SEA V Cup, Magalaman’s breakout effort provided one of the brightest takeaways for the host squad.

     

    The 23-year-old finished with 15 attack points on 22 attempts, complemented by four blocks and two service aces, an all-around display that energized the hometown crowd throughout the match.

     

    Even Magalaman admitted he never expected to lead a veteran-filled Philippine lineup in scoring, especially from the middle blocker position.

     

    “Ako po mismo nagulat ako. Like, paano ko ‘yon nagawa? Tapos, inisip ko na lang, eh, nagagawa ko ’yon kasi ’yon yung tine-training namin. Yun yung tinuturo sa akin ni Coach Frigoni. Like, bago ako, pero na-adapt ko yung sistema niya,” said Magalaman.

     

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    His performance marked another significant chapter in a journey that has steadily gained momentum.

     

    Magalaman transferred to De La Salle University before UAAP Season 87 but did not crack the final roster that year. He eventually suited up for the Green Spikers in Season 88, where flashes of his talent emerged, though opportunities remained limited.

     

    Now competing against Southeast Asia’s top national teams, the 6-foot-5 middle blocker believes the experience will accelerate his development ahead of his next collegiate campaign.

     

    “Napakalaking experience po ’yung ito. Gagamitin ko po ’to sa mga susunod na liga, Season 89, ganon,” he said.

     

    Despite the individual success, Magalaman stressed that the Philippines has plenty to clean up after committing 46 unforced errors—mistakes that ultimately allowed Cambodia to complete its comeback after dropping the opening set.

     

    The loss overshadowed strong offensive performances across the lineup. Jude Garcia backed Magalaman with 20 points, while Louie Ramirez added 17 markers. Al-Bukharie Sali and Lirick Mendoza also chipped in 10 and eight points, respectively, as Alas Pilipinas showed flashes of its offensive potential.

     

    Still, the costly errors proved too much to overcome against a disciplined Cambodian side that capitalized late to secure the five-set victory.

     

    Now carrying an 0-1 record in Pool A, the Philippines heads into a crucial matchup against reigning AVC Men’s Cup champion Indonesia on Friday, with a victory needed to keep its semifinal hopes alive.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas Men kicks off SEA V Cup against Cambodia in Candon

    Alas Pilipinas Men kicks off SEA V Cup against Cambodia in Candon

    After falling short of the podium a year ago, Alas Pilipinas enters the 2026 SEA V Cup with a renewed opportunity to reestablish itself among Southeast Asia’s volleyball contenders.


    The national men’s team begins its Group B campaign on Wednesday against Cambodia at 5:30 p.m. at the Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur, hoping to build momentum in a tournament that not only offers regional bragging rights but also valuable FIVB World Ranking points.


    The Philippines is looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign, when it finished fourth in both legs of the tournament, then known as the SEA V.League. 


    Before that, the Filipinos captured bronze medals in both legs of the 2024 edition, a standard they are determined to reach again.


    Veteran leadership will once more anchor the squad as Josh Ybañez, Lloyd Josafat, Louie Ramirez, and Vince Lorenzo spearhead the team’s bid under Italian head coach Angiolino Frigoni.


    Although Alas Pilipinas will be without two of its biggest stars in Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo, the roster welcomes additional versatility through SEA Games beach volleyball bronze medalist Jude Garcia, who strengthens the team’s wing rotation.


    Joining the lineup are setters Greg Ancheta and Adrian Villados, spikers Jian Salarzon, Axel Van Book, Lirick Mendoza, and Al-Bukharie Sali and middle blockers Rodge Alejos and Joshua Magalaman.


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    The SEA V Cup also serves as an important measure for Alas Pilipinas following its breakthrough campaign at the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship. 


    With FIVB World Ranking points at stake, every match carries added significance as the Filipinos look to improve their standing internationally while building momentum for future continental competitions. 


    The six-team tournament has also grown more competitive this year with the inclusion of Myanmar, expanding the field from five to six nations.


    Myanmar joins defending 2025 first-leg champion Thailand and Vietnam in Group A, while Indonesia rounds out Group B alongside the Philippines and Cambodia.


    The tournament opens with Thailand facing Vietnam at 2 p.m. before Alas Pilipinas takes the court in the second match of the day.


    Only the top two teams from each group will advance to Saturday’s semifinals, with the gold and bronze medal matches scheduled on Sunday.


    Hosted by Candon City Mayor Eric Singson and backed by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee, the SEA V Cup gives Alas Pilipinas another chance to measure its progress on the regional stage while collecting crucial ranking points that could boost its standing in international competition.


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  • Alas Boys shift focus to Bahrain after opening loss to Iran in AVC U18 Championship 

    Alas Boys shift focus to Bahrain after opening loss to Iran in AVC U18 Championship 

    The learning process began immediately for Alas Pilipinas in the 2026 AVC Boys’ U18 Volleyball Championship.

     

    Facing one of Asia’s traditional volleyball powerhouses in its opening match, the Philippine boys’ national team showed flashes of promise but ultimately fell to a more experienced Iranian side, 25-17, 25-20, 25-13, on Sunday at the Wuyuan River Gymnasium in Haikou, China.

     

    While the straight-set scoreline reflected Iran’s dominance, the Filipinos found encouraging moments—particularly in the second set—where they briefly threatened to shift the momentum.

     

    After struggling offensively in the opening frame with only eight attack points, Alas Pilipinas responded with greater confidence in the second set.

     

    Powered by Djomari Gamotea, Raphael Galapin, and Elijah Marticion, the Filipinos erased an early deficit and battled their way to a 19-19 deadlock, putting pressure on one of the tournament favorites.

     

    Iran, however, responded with the composure expected of a perennial contender.

     

    Middle blockers Heydari Sefat Pedram and Chodorarkhoei Aydin controlled the net during the closing stretch, helping Iran capture six of the final seven rallies before carrying that momentum into a dominant third set to wrap up the match in one hour and five minutes.

     

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    Despite the defeat, head coach Oliver Balse saw valuable lessons from his young squad’s opening outing.

     

    “We just fell short—despite tying the score at 19-19 in the second set,” Balse said. “We need to work on our defense.”

     

    Elijah Marticion paced the Philippine offense with eight points built on seven attacks and one block, while Raphael Galapin and Ar-Raquib Dais chipped in five points apiece.

     

    Iran leaned on the firepower of Nima Piri and Abolfazl Pashaamiri, who finished with 16 and 15 points, respectively, to lead the defending powerhouse to victory.

     

    Although the result was disappointing, Balse remains confident that the team’s potential has yet to be fully realized.

     

    “We’ll keep on working and fighting to get better,” Balse said. “The skills are there, it’s a matter of squeezing them out.”

     

    With the tournament still in its early stages, Alas Pilipinas has little time to dwell on the loss as it quickly turns its attention to its next assignment against Bahrain on Monday.

     

    For the young Filipinos, the challenge now is transforming the positives from their spirited second-set performance into a complete match as they continue their quest for a breakthrough victory in the continental championship.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas reloads for Asian Games with familiar stars and fresh faces  

    Alas Pilipinas reloads for Asian Games with familiar stars and fresh faces  

    As Philippine volleyball works through one of the most uncertain periods in its history, one familiar face is back at the center of the national team’s plans.

     

    Jia de Guzman headlines the 22-player training pool for Alas Pilipinas Women, signaling the start of a rebuilding process under new leadership as the team shifts its focus toward the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.

     

    The national squad enters a new chapter with Japanese coach Taka Minowa taking over the program while the Philippine Olympic Committee temporarily oversees national team operations following the suspension of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF).

     

    Rather than building from scratch, the new coaching staff is leaning on the players who helped establish Alas Pilipinas as one of Southeast Asia’s rising programs over the past few years.

     

    De Guzman, who skipped the team’s most recent campaign in Candon City, returns to lead a roster that blends experienced veterans with the country’s brightest young stars.

     

    Joining the longtime national team setter are Justine Jazareno, Jen Nierva, Bella Belen, Eya Laure, Angel Canino, Shaina Nitura, Fifi Sharma, Vanie Gandler, Alleiah Malaluan, Amie Provido, Dawn Catindig, Dell Palomata, and Mars Alba.

     

    Also receiving invitations are Alyssa Solomon, Thea Gagate, Niña Ytang, veteran middle blocker Pangs Panaga, Erika Santos, Gel Cayuna, Arah Panique, and Shaira Jardio.

     

    Many of these players formed the backbone of the Alas squad that captured a historic silver medal in last year’s AVC Women’s Challenge Cup, one of the country’s biggest achievements in recent international volleyball.

     

    This year’s campaign, however, proved far more difficult. A younger and retooled Philippine squad, led by Alyssa Valdez, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Ces Molina, and Ara Galang, failed to reach the semifinals and ultimately settled for eighth place.

     

    The transition comes during a turbulent period for Philippine volleyball.

     

    Sources told that the suspended PNVF has invited De Guzman, Valdez, and Gonzaga to serve on the federation’s Athletes’ Commission, a requirement imposed by the FIVB ad hoc committee as part of efforts to resolve the federation’s ongoing issues.

     

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    Meanwhile, Minowa officially steps into the program after previously working with Philippine volleyball.

     

    The Japanese mentor, who coached Akari in the Premier Volleyball League and handled the Alas women’s squad in 2024, recently served as an assistant coach for Japan SV.League club Aisin Tealmare Hekinan. He also shares a close connection to Philippine volleyball as the husband of former national team standout Jaja Santiago.

     

    On the men’s side, continuity remains the priority.

     

    Italian mentor Angiolino Frigoni will continue steering Alas Pilipinas Men into the Asian Games, hoping to maximize a talented core highlighted by Japan SV.League champion Bryan Bagunas, Taiwan league winner Marck Espejo, and reigning Spikers’ Turf MVP Jude Garcia.

     

    Also included in the men’s pool are Owa Retamar, Leo Ordiales, Buds Buddin, Lloyd Josafat, Al Bukharie Sali, Louie Taguibolos, Josh Ybañez, Adrian Villados, Vince Lorenzo, Kristofer Rodge Alejos, and Trevor Valera.

     

    Frigoni remains one of the most successful coaches in the program’s recent history, having guided the Philippines to a historic appearance in the FIVB Men’s World Championship and a bronze medal finish in last year’s Southeast Asian Games.

     

    As preparations begin for Aichi-Nagoya, both national teams now face the challenge of building momentum despite the uncertainty surrounding Philippine volleyball’s governing body, with experienced leaders once again expected to provide stability when it matters most.

     

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  • Alas Men and Women complete Philippine volleyball’s Asian Games return, secure spots in Nagoya-Aichi 2026 

    Alas Men and Women complete Philippine volleyball’s Asian Games return, secure spots in Nagoya-Aichi 2026 

    Philippine volleyball is headed back to one of Asia’s biggest sporting stages — and this time, both the men’s and women’s national teams are going together.

     

    In a significant breakthrough for the sport, Alas Pilipinas Men and Alas Pilipinas Women have officially secured their places in the indoor volleyball competition of the Nagoya-Aichi 2026 Asian Games, giving the country representation in both divisions of the prestigious continental event.

     

    The qualification is more than just another tournament appearance. It is a reflection of how far the national program has come in recent years, with both teams climbing the Asian rankings and earning the right to compete against the region’s traditional powerhouses.

     

    “This is great news for our volleyball program,” said Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino after receiving confirmation from the Asian Volleyball Confederation over the weekend.

     

    The Alas Women punched their ticket as Asia’s No. 10-ranked team in the FIVB rankings, while the Alas Men qualified as the continent’s No. 15 squad.

     

    Their inclusion completes a remarkable chapter for Philippine volleyball, which will now have representation in both indoor and beach volleyball competitions at the Asian Games.

     

    For the women, the qualification validates years of steady progress that transformed Alas Pilipinas from an underdog into one of the region’s emerging programs. For the men, it serves as another reward after a resurgence that saw the squad steadily gain ground against stronger Asian opposition.

     

    Both teams will compete in a 16-nation field when the indoor volleyball tournament unfolds in Aichi Prefecture from September 27 to October 3.

     

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    The men’s division will feature regional heavyweights Japan, Iran, China, South Korea, Qatar, Thailand, Indonesia, Bahrain, Chinese Taipei, India, Vietnam, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Hong Kong, and Pakistan alongside the Philippines.

     

    Meanwhile, the women’s field includes Japan, China, Thailand, South Korea, Kazakhstan, Chinese Taipei, Iran, Vietnam, Indonesia, Hong Kong, India, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, North Korea, and Qatar.

     

    The development was personally relayed to Tolentino by AVC president Tats Suzara, further solidifying the country’s participation despite the ongoing administrative issues surrounding Philippine volleyball.

     

    With the Philippine National Volleyball Federation currently under suspension by the FIVB, the Philippine Olympic Committee is expected to oversee the country’s volleyball participation moving forward.

     

    The indoor teams’ qualification also completes the Philippines’ volleyball delegation after the national beach volleyball squads previously secured their own Asian Games berths.

     

    Leading that charge are reigning Southeast Asian Games champions Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons, who will spearhead the country’s campaign in the beach volleyball competition at Hekinan City.

     

    With both indoor teams and beach volleyball pairs now qualified, Philippine volleyball is set for one of its most extensive Asian Games representations in recent memory — a sign that the sport’s momentum continues to grow on the continental stage.

     

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  • Alas Men setter Owa Retamar returns to Visakha VC aiming for unfinished business in Cambodia 

    Alas Men setter Owa Retamar returns to Visakha VC aiming for unfinished business in Cambodia 

    For Owa Retamar, returning to Cambodia is not simply about playing overseas again.

    It is about picking up where he left off.

     

    After helping Visakha VC secure a podium finish earlier this year, the Alas Pilipinas playmaker is set to reunite with the club for the upcoming Techo Volleyball Cambodia League 2026 season running from May to July.

     

    Retamar confirmed the development through social media, marking the start of another overseas chapter for one of Philippine volleyball’s top setters.

     

    “Masaya ako na makabalik dito kasi maganda ang naging experience ko with the team last time. We were able to finish third, so goal namin na mas mataas pa sana ang marating,” he said.

     

    His first stint with Visakha ended with a third-place finish in the Sar Kheng Cup, but the club now enters the new league season with bigger expectations after settling for runner-up finishes over the past two years.

     

    This time, Retamar is expected to take on an even bigger role as Visakha tries to finally get over the hump.

     

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    The former NU Bulldogs star also understands the level of competition awaiting them in Cambodia’s professional scene, where multiple imports are allowed per team.

     

    “Sa league na ito, hindi lang limited sa isa ang allowed import, kaya expected na mas magiging matindi ang bawat game. Kailangan lang mag-adjust agad sa chemistry at preparation. Trabaho agad ako bukas,” said Retamar.

     

    Retamar brings with him valuable international experience gained from years of representing Alas Pilipinas on bigger stages.

     

    He was part of the Philippine squad that competed in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, where the country finished 19th overall, and also helped the national team capture a silver medal in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games before adding a bronze medal in the latest edition.

     

    Back home, Retamar has long established himself as one of the country’s premier setters, collecting multiple Best Setter awards in both the UAAP and Spikers’ Turf.

     

    Now, with another opportunity overseas in front of him, Retamar heads back to Cambodia carrying both familiarity and unfinished business.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas mainstay Owa Retamar heads to Cambodia to shine amid Spikers’ Turf hiatus

    Alas Pilipinas mainstay Owa Retamar heads to Cambodia to shine amid Spikers’ Turf hiatus

     Even with Cignal’s sudden leave from the Spikers’ Turf, Owa Retamar is set to keep the ball flying. The Alas Pilipinas Men setter will take his talents to Cambodia, suiting up for Visakha in the 4th Sar Kheng Cup from February 7 to March 1.

     

    The month-long tournament doubles as Cambodia’s national volleyball championship and allows teams to enlist one foreign guest player, giving Retamar the perfect platform to maintain form and showcase Filipino skill.

     

    “Accepting this invitation from Cambodia is my way of contributing to help sustain the visibility of Philippine men’s volleyball, especially amid the uncertainties surrounding our local teams,” Retamar said through VP Global, his management agency. “I’m excited to learn from the environment there and contribute in the best way I can.” 

     

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    At 25, Retamar is already a decorated figure in Philippine volleyball, boasting four Spikers’ Turf championships and three best setter awards with Cignal. 

     

    He also played a pivotal role in Alas Pilipinas Men’s historic run at the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship last year and helped the national team secure a bronze medal at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.

     

    Retamar’s Cambodia stint highlights a growing trend of Filipino male volleyball players taking their skills overseas. He joins fellow imports like Bryan Bagunas in Japan, Marck Espejo in Taiwan, and Leo Aringo in Japan, proving that Philippine volleyball talent is gaining recognition beyond local shores.

     

    For Retamar, it’s more than just a temporary move—it’s an opportunity to keep competitive while serving as an ambassador for Philippine volleyball on an international stage.

     

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  • Marck Espejo takes talents to Taiwan, joins TSK Skyhawks 

    Marck Espejo takes talents to Taiwan, joins TSK Skyhawks 

    Marck Espejo’s volleyball journey continues to stretch beyond borders, with the Filipino star set to suit up for TSG Skyhawks in the Taiwan Professional Volleyball League — another stamp in a passport already filled with elite stops around Asia.

     

    At 28, Espejo is no stranger to packing his bags. Taiwan becomes the fifth country he has competed in professionally, marking his seventh international stint and reinforcing his status as one of the most well-traveled players Philippine volleyball has produced.

     

    Rather than chasing comfort, Espejo has consistently sought growth. His career path has taken him through multiple high-level systems — from Japan’s demanding leagues, where he had three separate stints, to competitive environments in Thailand, Bahrain, and Korea.

     

    Each stop sharpened his game and expanded his role from prolific scorer to battle-tested leader.

     

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    His overseas resume includes appearances for Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler, FC Tokyo and Kubota Spears Osaka in Japan, Visakha in Thailand, Bani Jamra in Bahrain, and Incheon in Korea — a collection that reflects both longevity and adaptability at the professional level.

     

    Espejo arrives in Taiwan riding the momentum of a strong international year. He was part of Alas Pilipinas’ bronze-medal finish at the 2025 SEA Games and figured prominently in the national team’s landmark campaign at the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship, highlighted by a breakthrough victory over African champion Egypt and a near-upset of Asian powerhouse Iran.

     

    With TSG Skyhawks, Espejo adds not just firepower on the wing, but also the perspective of an athlete shaped by multiple volleyball cultures. As his career continues to unfold across continents, one thing remains consistent — wherever he plays, Espejo carries the Philippine flag with him.

     

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