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The Philippine volleyball community is mourning the loss of Ike Andrew Barilea, a rising star from Alas Pilipinas Men, who passed away as announced by the national team on Tuesday. He had just celebrated his 21st birthday two days ago.

The team did not disclose the cause of his death but shared a heartfelt message on Facebook, paying tribute to the young and passionate spiker whose energy and dedication left a lasting mark on the program.

“The court feels emptier, and our hearts heavier. Rest easy, ALAS IKE BARILEA. Thank you for the laughter, the memories, and the heart you gave to the team. Heaven gained an angel, but we lost a piece of ours. Fly high, our dear ALAS,” the statement read.

Barilea, a proud son of the Visayas, was part of the Alas Men’s training pool for the upcoming 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship under coach Angiolino Frigoni.

He also suited up for Alas Pilipinas-Cignal in the 2025 AVC Men’s Volleyball Champions League and played for 1 Silay Volleyball Club in the PNVF U21 National Volleyball Championships.

Known for his enthusiasm, humility, and love for the sport, Barilea was seen as one of the most promising young athletes in Philippine volleyball—a talent gone too soon, but whose spirit will continue to inspire teammates and fans alike.

Elite 16 champions Javier and Joaquin Bello are back in the Philippines, aiming for redemption at the Beach Pro Tour Challenge from October 15 to 19 at the Nuvali Sands Court by Ayala Land in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

Ranked 19th among 65 men’s pairs from 25 countries, the Bello brothers are determined to improve on last year’s bronze finish, where they fell to Germany’s Paul Henning and Lui Wust in the semifinals but bounced back to claim third place over Austria’s Timo Hammarberg and Philipp Wallar.

“The Bello brothers are coming,” announced PNVF President Ramon “Tats” Suzara. “Like all participants, they’re here to provide top-level beach volleyball action.”

The English pair faces stiff competition, including host Philippines, which will field three teams led by 2023 SEA Games bronze medalists Ran Abdilla and James Buytrago. Defending champions and world No. 6 Swedish duo Jacob Holting Nilsson and Elmer Andersson are also back to defend their crown.

“We thank Ayala and Nuvali for hosting another world-class event,” Suzara added. “The level of competition keeps rising.”

In the women’s division, Team USA lines up five pairs, while the Philippines is represented by Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons, Jenny Gaviola and Alexa Polidario, Sunny Villapando and Dij Rodriguez, and Kly Orillaneda with Gen Eslapor. The women’s field features 46 pairs from 15 countries, making this one of the most competitive editions yet.

Candon City, Ilocos Sur, is set to host the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup from June 6 to 14, marking the first time the event will be held in the region. 

The announcement came during AVC meetings in Bangkok, with PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara and Mayor Eric Singson leading the Philippine delegation.

The 12-nation tournament offers Alas Pilipinas Women a chance to complete a medal hat-trick on home soil, after recent bronze and silver finishes. 

The city plans to upgrade its 8,000-seat arena, expand accommodations, and enhance facilities to meet international standards.

Mayor Singson and Suzara both highlighted Candon’s appeal as a host city, emphasizing the boost to local tourism and Philippine volleyball. 

“I think we will have to improve our arena to accommodate what is needed for these international games. We’re also looking at expanding accommodations because we expect a lot of guests coming from several countries. We have to be ready for that,” Singson said. 

“Candon is a beautiful seaside city. Ang ganda ng beach. It’s the ‘Santorini of the North,’ and they bring a lot of tourists. Using volleyball as a product to promote the Philippines abroad will be good not only for our sport but also for tourism,” Suzara stated. 

Following its successful staging of the Men’s SEA V.League, Candon City prepares to welcome Asia’s top women’s teams for a landmark event.

Laoag City threw its full support behind the country’s historic hosting of the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Volleyball Championship by staging the “Set Na Natin ‘To Trophy and Mascot Tour” at Laoag City over the weekend.

Cignal stars Josh Umandal, JM Ronquillo, and Vince Malinao attended the festivities, which included a mini-tournament at Dap-Ayan Park. The Block Builders, led by MVP John Paul Lorenzo, claimed victory over North Western University, the Laoag men’s team, and Pasuquin.

PNVF and AVC president Tats Suzara expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and acknowledged the efforts of local officials and partners in making the event possible.

“We are very thankful to the City of Laoag and the Province of Ilocos Norte for the warm welcome and enthusiastic support for the world championships,” said PNVF and AVC president Ramon “Tats” Suzara.

The tour, which launched at SM Seaside Cebu, will culminate at SM Downtown Cagayan de Oro.

Fans enjoyed appearances by official mascots KidLat and Hataw, as well as participation from Department of Tourism officials and SM City Laoag representatives.

The 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship kicks off September 12 at Mall of Asia Arena, with Alas Pilipinas debuting against Tunisia at 6 p.m. The opening ceremony will feature a performance by K-pop group BOYNEXTDOOR.

The tournament runs through September 28, bringing together 32 nations for one of volleyball’s biggest events.

Alas Pilipinas Men are expected to be at full strength with the anticipated return of star spikers Marck Espejo and Bryan Bagunas just in time for the country's hosting of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship this September.

Bagunas, who has been sidelined for nearly a year due to a left knee injury suffered during the 2024 SEA V.League against Indonesia, is steadily progressing in his recovery. Meanwhile, Espejo sustained a left ankle injury during the 2025 AVC Nations Cup loss to Pakistan in June.

Both captains are optimistic about their recovery timelines and are aiming to be match-ready by the time the world championship kicks off.

“Okay naman po. Every day rehab at naka-recover naman na po,” said Espejo. “Target ko po talaga is maging 100 percent sa darating na World Championship.”

Bagunas shared similar confidence. “On track naman yung therapy ko. This week, may hop test na ko so malalaman na kung makakapag-full training na ako with Alas.”

Despite their individual recoveries, Espejo acknowledged that the team still has a long way to go before contending with the world’s best.

“Honestly speaking po, super layo pa talaga. Pero yun nga, one day at a time, one tournament at a time. Ibibigay namin yung pinaka-maximum potential ng team na hopefully, mailabas namin,” he added.

The return of Espejo and Bagunas brings a massive boost to the national team’s morale and competitiveness as the Philippines hosts the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship for the first time, with hopes of making a strong impression on the global stage.