Bagunas and Alas Men get going with sights set on at least a medal
Bryan Bagunas is embracing the chance to lead Alas Pilipinas Men back to the Southeast Asian Games podium, six years after their magical silver medal run in the 2019 edition in Manila, where they played in front of an adoring throng.
When Bagunas and Marck Espejo led the Nationals to that historic silver, the volleyball community believed it was the start of their rise in level of play, popularity and influence on the younger generation.
However, COVID-19 happened and halted that momentum and the squad could do no more than finish fifth in the past two editions held in Vietnam and Cambodia—even after a rebuild in 2023.
But when hosting rights for the World Championship were awarded to the country, Alas didn’t waste the opportunity last September and showed the world the Filipino talent as the Filipinos beat former African champion Egypt and narrowly missed the round-of-16 after a heartbreaking loss to Iran in five sets.
Hopes are again high for Bagunas and the team to at least medal in the 33rd edition, as they kick off their campaign against Myanmar on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. (Philippine time) at Indoor Stadium Huamark in Bangkok, Thailand.
“We’re really eager to get back on the podium because we’ve wanted this for so long,” Bagunas, a revelation in the Worlds, said. “We got it in 2019, then it slipped away. “Maybe this is the time for us to return to the podium.”
The Alas captain, who carried the flag with tennis star Alex Eala in the opening ceremony, is aware of the expectations after that impressive World Championship run.
“We know people have high expectations of us,” the 28-year-old open spiker said. “The level and style of play here are different (from the Worlds). We just need to set our mindset accordingly (because this is a different tournament).”
Tuesday vs champs
Alas will meet three-time defending champion Indonesia on Tuesday, with the top two teams after pool play to advance to the knockout crossover semis on Dec. 18. The gold medal match and the battle for bronze will be played the following day.
Bagunas and Espejo will be the leaders of the team together with Owa Retamar and Kim Malabunga. He stressed the importance of every match to young guns Leo Ordiales, Buds Buddin, Louie Ramirez, Jade Disquitado, Eco Adajar, liberos Josh Ybañez and Vince Lorenzo, Lloyd Josafat, Rwenzmel Taguibolos and debuting Al-Bukharie Sali.
“I think even here in the group stage, we already need to give our absolute best. We can’t afford to take it easy,” he explained. “When it comes to Southeast Asia, Indonesia really dominates in volleyball.
“I don’t think we’ve ever beaten Indonesia,” he said. “But based on what the team is showing—what I’m seeing in training—we do have a chance. We just need to work for it. Every point has to have full effort behind it.”
