Sports PH News | JS DEV Site

Tag: Bryan Bagunas

  • Filipino volleyball stars shine as Sisi Rondina-Bernadeth Pons tandem and Bryan Bagunas earn AVC honors 

    Filipino volleyball stars shine as Sisi Rondina-Bernadeth Pons tandem and Bryan Bagunas earn AVC honors 

    Three Filipino volleyball stars made their presence felt on one of Asian volleyball’s biggest nights, as Sisi Rondina-Rosales, Bernadeth Pons, and Bryan Bagunas took home Fans’ Choice awards at the inaugural Asian Volleyball Confederation Gala in Bangkok, Thailand.

     

    The Philippine trio stood alongside some of the continent’s biggest names at the Seesarin Studio on Saturday, receiving recognition from fans for their impact on the sport.

     

    Rondina-Rosales and Pons were honored in beach volleyball, while Bagunas claimed the Fans’ Choice Men’s Volleyball Player award, giving the Philippines three major recognitions on the AVC’s first gala night.

     

    For Bagunas, the award served as another reminder of the growing recognition surrounding Philippine volleyball.

     

    “This recognition has driven us to excel more and see what else we can do more for our country,” said Bagunas, a nine-year national team member who captained Alas Pilipinas during its historic FIVB Men’s World Championship campaign in the Philippines last year.

     

    “We are incredibly happy and proud,” he added.

     

    The Osaka Bluteon star believes the recognition can also provide additional motivation heading into another major challenge for the national team.

     

    “This is a great boost to our next competition — the Asian Games. I believe we can win.”

     

    Rondina-Rosales, meanwhile, was among the Philippine beach volleyball representatives who received the fans’ nod after another year of making an impact on the international scene.

     

    “We are thrilled to be here along with Asia’s best,” said Rondina-Rosales, who attended the gala wearing a Filipiniana by Ryan Ablaza, the same designer behind her wedding gown.

     

    Pons shared the same sense of pride, particularly in being recognized alongside the best players from across the continent.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world. 

     

    Get the latest sports updates faster. Join the official Sports PH News Discord community today! https://discord.gg/defTe7KeT 

    “Grateful for the opportunity, and it’s a great feeling when you’re with the best of the best of the sport you love,” Pons said.

     

    “Thankful to the AVC, FIVB and Sir Tats (Ramon Suzara) for organizing this kind of event and for the fans who recognized us.”

     

    The awards also highlighted how Philippine volleyball has continued to gain visibility beyond the country’s borders.

     

    With Filipino players now regularly competing on international stages, the recognition of Rondina-Rosales, Pons, and Bagunas reflects the growing connection between Philippine volleyball and fans across Asia.

     

    The gala itself marked a milestone for the AVC, bringing together athletes, officials, and representatives from all 65 member associations for an evening dedicated to celebrating the sport and its athletes.

     

    “This is a testament of how far we have come after 74 years of the AVC. I am incredibly grateful that we hosted our first-ever AVC Gala as we showed respect with one another despite the different cultures, different languages, but we are one family under the AVC banner,” Suzara said.

     

    FIVB president Fabio Azevedo also welcomed the initiative, expressing hope that the event would become a regular celebration of Asian volleyball.

     

    “It was fantastic as we were all here together and overjoyed. This is the first night, but I am quite sure this will become a tradition because it iş important to honor our athletes that inspire the next generation,” Azevedo said.

     

    “Great event by the AVC for the volleyball fans,” he added.

     

    The Philippines also had another representative in the spotlight, with Arabelle Dela Cruz of Sparkle GMA Artist Center earning praise for her performance during the event.

     

    But the biggest takeaway for Philippine volleyball was undoubtedly the trio of Rondina-Rosales, Pons, and Bagunas leaving Bangkok with fans’ honors — another sign that Filipino talent continues to command attention across Asia.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Brian Castro follows Bryan Bagunas, Marck Espejo path as latest Filipino to break into Japan’s SV.League 

    Brian Castro follows Bryan Bagunas, Marck Espejo path as latest Filipino to break into Japan’s SV.League 

    Ateneo standout Brian Castro always had Japan in mind as the next destination for his volleyball journey. Now, just after completing his UAAP chapter with the Blue Eagles, the Filipino-American middle blocker is turning that vision into reality.


    Castro is set to become the newest Filipino player to compete in Japan’s premier volleyball scene after securing an Asian import role with Fragolad Kagoshima for the 2026-27 SV.League season.

     

    The move comes at a historic time for Kagoshima, which is preparing for its first-ever appearance in the SV.League after earning promotion to Division 1. 

     

    With the help of VP Global Management and FIVB-licensed agent Alessandro Castro, the former Blue Eagle found an opportunity to continue developing his career against some of the best players in the world.

     

    Castro will become the fourth Filipino men’s volleyball player to make the jump to Japan, following the footsteps of fellow Ateneo standout Marck Espejo, National University star Bryan Bagunas, and Leo Aringo.

     

    Espejo built a strong reputation in Japan after playing for three different clubs before eventually moving to Taiwan’s Professional Volleyball League, while Bagunas became one of the country’s most recognized imports with Osaka Bluteon.

     

    For Castro, their success served as proof that Filipino volleyball players can compete on the international stage.

     

    “They’ve always inspired me ever since I watched them back in their UAAP days. I actually got to play against Kuya Marck [Espejo] last year during our training camp in Osaka when he was with his Japanese team, and it was such a great experience,” he said.

     

    However, Castro understands that stepping into the SV.League will require an entirely different level of preparation. Japan’s volleyball system is known for its speed, discipline, and technical execution, standards that have helped the country remain one of the world’s strongest volleyball nations.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    “Here in the Philippines, it’s a lot faster pace of volleyball. In Japan, it’s even much, much faster. The SV.League, it’s Division 1, so it’s the highest league in Japan and it’s going to have really one of the best talents in the world,” he said.

     

    The opportunity also represents the fulfillment of a personal goal Castro set even before beginning his collegiate career in the Philippines.

     

    After leaving the United States, the middle blocker envisioned spending two seasons with Ateneo before taking his talents overseas—and Japan was always the destination he wanted.

     

    “Before I left the U.S., I was telling myself that my plan is to play for Ateneo for two years and then play overseas. And I specifically said to myself, I’m going to play in Japan. No matter how long it takes me, I’m going to play in Japan. To do it right after Ateneo, it’s a surreal experience,” he said.

     

    Beyond personal growth, Castro also sees the move as an opportunity to carry the name of Philippine volleyball abroad.

     

    “I’d like to represent this country well and represent, you know, everyone, the volleyball community, the sports Philippines community. I’m going to be there to represent you guys as much as I can.”

     

    Aside from Castro, three more international reinforcements will join the club, including Finnish national team middle blocker Petteri Tyynismaa, Canadian national team opposite Christopher Byam, and outside hitter Jesse Elser. 

     

    With Kagoshima set to begin its historic SV.League debut in October, Castro now prepares for a new challenge—one that places him alongside the Filipino players who helped open the door and gives him the chance to create his own mark in Japan.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Bryan Bagunas, Marck Espejo secure contract renewals with overseas teams

    Bryan Bagunas, Marck Espejo secure contract renewals with overseas teams

    Success has opened another chapter in the overseas careers of Filipino volleyball stars, Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo.


    Fresh off championship-winning campaigns in two of Asia’s top volleyball leagues, Bagunas and Espejo have been rewarded with contract renewals, ensuring that their journeys abroad will continue for at least another season.

     

    Bagunas will return with Osaka Bluteon in Japan’s SV.League, while Espejo has secured a re-newed deal with Taiwan Professional Volleyball League champion TSG Skyhawks after emerging as one of the club’s most reliable two-way players.

     

    The extensions reflect more than just strong individual performances. They serve as recognition of the growing reputation of Filipino volleyball talent on the international stage, with both players helping raise the profile of Philippine volleyball through their success overseas.

     

    “We are pleased to announce that we have renewed the contract with Bryan Bagunas. He will continue to fight alongside everyone as a member of Bruteon in the 2026-27 season, aiming for the top,” Osaka announced.

     

    Bagunas’ first season with Osaka ended in historic fashion. The 28-year-old became the first Filipino men’s volleyball player to win a championship in Japan after Osaka completed a dramatic Finals comeback against the Suntory Sunbirds. The title-clinching match saw Osaka dominate Game 3 with a victory to dethrone the defending champions.

     

    “Honored to renew with Osaka Bluteon!” said Bagunas. “Thank you to the club, my teammates, and all the fans for the incredible support. I’m excited for another season and ready to give my all. Let’s make more history together.”

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.


    The achievement was especially meaningful for Bagunas, who returned to top-level competition after recovering from a knee injury. He later helped Alas Pilipinas secure a historic victory over Egypt in the FIVB Men’s World Championship before continuing his strong form in Japan.

     

    Although Osaka featured one of the deepest rosters in the SV.League, Bagunas remained a valuable contributor throughout the campaign. He finished with 31 total points on 23 attacks, five blocks, and three aces across 39 matches as Osaka compiled a stellar 38-6 record in the regular season before capturing the title.

     

    Meanwhile, Espejo’s impact in Taiwan earned him another opportunity with the Skyhawks.

     

    “Marck has become an important force at both ends of the team’s attack and defense with comprehensive attack ability and stable defensive performance. The attack success rate is as high as 46.6 percent, whether in the regular season or key games, it can show stable output, bringing substantial contributions to the team,” the club said.

     

    “In addition to his performance on the field, Marck’s positive attitude and professionalism have also been recognized by the team, and his rich international experience not only enhances the overall competitiveness of the team, but also brings a positive impact on the teammates.”

     

    For Espejo, the championship further strengthened an already impressive international résumé. The Alas Pilipinas standout became the first Filipino volleyball player to win professional titles in two different countries after previously lifting a championship trophy with the Incheon Korean Air Jumbos in South Korea.

     

    His latest triumph marked another milestone in a career that has taken him across some of Asia’s most competitive volleyball leagues, including stints in Japan, Thailand, Bahrain, South Korea, and Taiwan.

     

    The renewed contracts also arrive at an important time for Philippine volleyball. With both Bagunas and Espejo continuing to compete against elite international talent, Alas Pilipinas stands to benefit from the experience and high-level competition they will bring back to the national team.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Bryan Bagunas returns to Japan and finally captures elusive SV.League crown with Osaka 

    Bryan Bagunas returns to Japan and finally captures elusive SV.League crown with Osaka 

    For years, Japan represented unfinished business for Bryan Bagunas.

     

    He arrived as a promising Filipino import trying to carve out a place in one of Asia’s toughest volleyball leagues, endured losing seasons, changed countries, rebuilt his career elsewhere, and eventually returned for another shot. This time, though, the ending finally changed.

     

    Bagunas completed his long-awaited breakthrough in Japanese volleyball after helping Osaka capture the 2026 SV.League championship on Sunday at the Yokohama Arena.

     

    The title did not come easy.

     

    Osaka entered the Finals against reigning powerhouse Suntory as the underdog despite finishing second in the elimination round with a stellar 38-6 record. The Sunbirds, who topped the standings at 40-4 and won three of their four meetings during the regular season, immediately reminded everyone why they were favorites by taking Game 1 of the best-of-three series.

     

    Suntory claimed the opener in four sets, 26-24, 22-25, 25-16, 25-23, behind another dominant showing from towering Russian middle blocker Dmitry Muserskiy, who unloaded 23 points.

     

    Bagunas saw limited action in the match but still converted both of his attempts for two points.

     

    With their backs against the wall, Osaka found another level.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    Game 2 became the turning point of the series as the Bluteon survived a five-set battle, 13-25, 25-23, 25-22, 20-25, 15-9, to force a winner-take-all showdown. Cuban star Miguel Angel Lopez carried much of the scoring load with 21 points, while Japanese ace Yuji Nishida added 20 markers built on powerful spikes and timely service aces.

     

    By Game 3, momentum had completely shifted. Osaka stormed to a convincing 25-22, 25-20, 25-18 victory to complete the comeback and dethrone Suntory on its own floor. Fittingly, it was Nishida who delivered the championship-clinching ace against Japanese star Ran Takahashi and the Sunbirds.

     

    For Bagunas, the celebration represented far more than just another trophy.

     

    Before returning to Japan, the Filipino outside hitter spent three seasons with Oita Miyoshi, where team success proved elusive despite flashes of individual brilliance. He later moved to Taiwan and rebuilt his confidence with Taichung, winning two championships and earning an MVP award during a dominant three-year run.

     

    That journey ultimately brought him back to Japan — older, more experienced, and finally part of a championship roster.

     

    Now, after years of grinding across different leagues in Asia, Bagunas can finally say he has conquered Japanese volleyball too.

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌  Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!

  • Pride Beyond Borders: Filipino athletes making their mark while representing other countries

    Pride Beyond Borders: Filipino athletes making their mark while representing other countries

    For many athletes, representing the Philippines is the ultimate dream. But in an increasingly globalized sports world, some Filipino talents find themselves building careers and opportunities beyond the country’s borders. While they may wear different jerseys or compete under foreign leagues—or even national flags—their roots remain unmistakably Filipino.


    Rather than seeing these moves as losses for Philippine sports, it may be more fitting to view them as proof that Filipino talent can thrive anywhere. Their achievements abroad not only elevate their own careers but also highlight the caliber of athletes the Philippines continues to produce.

     

    Here are five Filipino athletes who chose the international scene and, in their own ways, continue to bring pride to the country.

     

    Jaja Santiago

     

    Before becoming known as Sachi Minowa in Japan, Jaja Santiago had already established herself as one of the Philippines’ most dominant volleyball players. Her journey overseas began in 2019, and after years of dedication to the sport and her life in Japan, she officially obtained Japanese citizenship on August 17, 2024.

     

    Now playing in the top-tier SV.League with the Denso Airybees, the 6-foot-5 middle blocker is entering her seventh season in Japan. She previously spent two successful years with JT Marvelous Osaka, where she helped the team win the league title, and also played four seasons with Saitama Ageo Medics.

     

    Santiago’s decision to naturalize and represent Japan may have disappointed some Filipino fans who hoped to see her dominate for the national team. However, her success abroad also reflects how Filipino athletes can reach world-class levels when given the right environment and opportunities. Her journey proves that Filipino volleyball players have the talent to compete in one of the strongest leagues in the world.

     

    Marck Espejo

     

    Few Filipino volleyball players have explored the international circuit as extensively as Marck Espejo. The former Ateneo standout joined TSG Skyhawks in the Taiwan Professional Volleyball League, adding another chapter to a career that has taken him across Asia and the Middle East.

     

    The 28-year-old outside hitter has now played for seven overseas teams across five countries. His career includes stints with Oita Miyoshi Weiss Adler, FC Tokyo, and Kubota Spears Osaka in Japan, as well as clubs in Thailand, Bahrain, and South Korea.

     

    Espejo’s journey abroad is a testament to the global competitiveness of Filipino volleyball talent. While he built his foundation in Philippine collegiate volleyball, his willingness to test himself in different leagues has expanded his experience and raised the profile of Filipino athletes internationally. In many ways, Espejo serves as proof that Filipino players can adapt and succeed in various volleyball systems around the world.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    Bryan Bagunas

     

    Another prominent name in Philippine men’s volleyball is Bryan Bagunas, whose powerful scoring ability has made him a standout both locally and internationally. After an impressive run in Taiwan with Win Streak, where he won two championships and an MVP award during a three-year stint, Bagunas took his talents to Japan to play for Osaka Blueton.

     

    Bagunas represents the type of athlete who benefits from competing abroad while still maintaining a strong connection to the Philippine national team. Despite playing overseas, he returned to represent the country in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025, contributing crucial points for the Philippines.

     

    Bagunas shows that playing internationally does not necessarily mean turning away from national pride. Instead, the experience gained from tougher leagues can strengthen the athletes who eventually return to represent the country in major competitions.

     

    Yuka Saso

     

    Golf prodigy Yuka Saso is another athlete whose career reflects the complex intersection of identity and opportunity in modern sports. Born in the Philippines, Saso eventually chose to represent Japan internationally, a decision that drew significant attention in the golfing world.

     

    Despite the change in national representation, Saso has remained closely connected to the Philippines and continues to support Filipino golfers and the local golfing community. Her rapid rise in the women’s game has made her one of the most respected young golfers globally.

     

    Rather than focusing on the nationality she represents, it may be more meaningful to recognize how her Filipino roots played a role in shaping her journey. Saso’s success reminds many Filipinos that athletes from the country can reach the highest levels of international competition.

     

    Jarvey Gayoso

     

    In football, Jarvey Gayoso continues to build his career in Southeast Asia. The Filipino striker was recently signed by Bangkok FC for the upcoming 2025/26 Thai League season, bringing his scoring ability and versatility to the Thailand-based club.

     

    Gayoso previously played for Phnom Penh Crown FC in Cambodia, where he recorded an impressive 14 goals and four assists in 24 appearances. Before his international career, he built a strong foundation with teams such as Ateneo Blue Eagles, Aguila MSA FC, Azkals Development Team, and Kaya FC.

     

    More importantly, Gayoso remains deeply tied to Philippine football, having represented the country from the youth level (U-19 and U-23) all the way to the senior national team. His growing career in Southeast Asian leagues demonstrates how Filipino footballers are gradually expanding their presence across the region.

     

    Sports have long been tied to national pride, but the reality of modern athletics often involves athletes pursuing opportunities across borders. For Filipino athletes, this global path can sometimes spark debates about loyalty and identity.

     

    Yet looking at the careers of Santiago, Espejo, Bagunas, Saso, and Gayoso, a different perspective emerges. Their success abroad highlights the strength of Filipino talent and proves that athletes from the Philippines can compete—and excel—on the international stage.

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

      Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans! 

  • Bryan Bagunas, Bella Belen named Mr. and Ms. Volleyball by SMC-PSA Awards 

    Bryan Bagunas, Bella Belen named Mr. and Ms. Volleyball by SMC-PSA Awards 

    Philippine volleyball takes center stage at the San Miguel Corporation–Philippine Sportswriters Association (SMC-PSA) Awards Night as Bryan Bagunas and Bella Belen are set to be recognized as Mr. and Ms. Volleyball, underscoring a year where both stars carried the sport to new heights locally and internationally.

     

    Scheduled on February 16 at the Diamond Hotel Manila, the annual gala will once again gather the country’s sporting elite, with Bagunas and Belen joining a distinguished roll of honorees for 2025 led by Athletes of the Year Carlos Yulo and Alex Eala.

     

    The event is supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Cignal, PVL, PBA, Akari, Rain or Shine, Capital1 Solar Energy, and Acrocity.

     

    For Bagunas, the award reflects a year defined by historic firsts. The 28-year-old opposite hitter from Balayan, Batangas was at the forefront of Alas Pilipinas’ breakthrough appearance in the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship, hosted by the Philippines for the first time. 

     

    That campaign included a landmark victory over world No. 21 Egypt — the national team’s first-ever win on the world stage — and a heart-stopping five-set loss to No. 14 Iran that showcased how close the Filipinos were to crashing the Final 16.

     

    Bagunas later anchored the squad to a bronze medal finish in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, cementing his role as the face of the men’s program.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    :

    On the women’s side, Belen’s recognition crowns a dominant closing chapter in her collegiate career. The 23-year-old outside hitter powered National University to back-to-back UAAP women’s volleyball championships, punctuating her final season with another MVP honor — her third overall. 

     

    NU later retired her iconic No. 4 jersey, making Belen the first athlete in school history to receive such a distinction, a testament to her lasting impact on the Lady Bulldogs’ dynasty.

     

    Belen’s influence extended beyond the UAAP. Selected first overall by Capital1 in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft, she also played a vital role for Alas Pilipinas in the AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup, where the national team claimed silver in Hanoi — its best finish in the tournament and an improvement from the bronze medal haul the year before.

     

    Together, Bagunas and Belen represent two parallel stories of leadership and progress — one pushing Philippine men’s volleyball onto the global map, the other redefining sustained excellence in the women’s game. 

     

    Their honors at the SMC-PSA Awards Night serve not just as personal milestones, but as markers of how far Philippine volleyball has come in a single, remarkable year.

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

     📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!