ALAS Pilipinas, after its remarkable performance at the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, has been challenged by Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara to maintain their growth.
Suzara hopes that players like Bryan Bagunas, Leo Ordiales, Marck Espejo, and Kim Malabunga will “continue to evolve in both skill and mindset, and to embrace their roles as ambassadors of the sport.”
He emphasized the importance of elevating the sport locally through mentorship, setting an example for younger athletes with discipline, teamwork, and resilience, and remaining committed to development even outside of major competitions.
The Philippines concluded its impressive run with a narrow five-set loss to Iran, a valiant effort that earned them global admiration.
Despite having long odds, the team came close to reaching the Round of 16 in a competitive field of 32.
Suzara expressed pride, stating, “This is much more than we expected. But all things considered, it’s no big surprise. We put our faith in these guys to deliver, and they did. They’re the new sports heroes of the country.”
Alas Pilipinas showcased its talent even as some favored teams faltered.
They matched the 1–2 record of teams like Paris Olympics gold medalist France and world No. 7 Japan, but remained in contention until their final match against Iran.
The team displayed flashes of brilliance against Tunisia and achieved a historic win over Egypt, sparking national pride. Suzara acknowledged the difficulty of hosting and building a team for the world championship, but believes they have done a good job.
