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Egypt head coach Marco Bonitta lauded Alas Pilipinas after the hosts’ stunning four-set victory over the reigning African champions in the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The three-time Olympian admitted that his squad did not play at its usual level but emphasized that the Filipinos fully deserved their historic triumph.

“First of all, congratulations to the Philippine team because they played one amazing, consistent match, especially on serve, blocking, and defense,” Bonitta said. “They had clear options in transition, especially in attack after defense. They deserve to win. Today wasn’t our best level of volleyball. We will try to do our best after tomorrow because we have to win against Tunisia.”

Bonitta noted that he was not entirely surprised by the performance of the Angiolino Frigoni-coached Nationals, pointing to their gritty showing against Tunisia in their opening match as an early sign of their potential.

“Philippines played amazing match today but we knew that before,” he said. “The level of this team was the third set against Tunisia and they lost only 25-23. We knew that we had to be patient to play—but they played better than us and they deserve it.”

Despite the loss, world No. 22 Egypt remains in contention for a Round of 16 berth, with all four Pool A squads holding identical 1-1 records. The Egyptians now prepare for a crucial showdown with Tunisia on Thursday, September 18.

Bonitta stressed the importance of his team resetting both mentally and physically ahead of the decisive clash.

Leo Ordiales’ night of redemption came just when Alas Pilipinas needed it most.

After a rocky FIVB Men’s World Championship debut where he managed only two points against Tunisia, the 22-year-old opposite spiker faced his share of criticism. He admitted the frustration was difficult to shake off, but he vowed to bounce back stronger.

On Tuesday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Ordiales fulfilled that promise in the biggest way possible, by helping the Philippine carve out a historic first-ever Worlds victory.

Ordiales erupted for 21 points built on 19 attacks and three aces as Alas Pilipinas stunned World No. 21 Egypt in four sets, 29-27, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21.

He provided the firepower alongside Bryan Bagunas, who topscored with 25 points, and proved he could be a reliable weapon on the international stage.

From supposed token participants to giant slayers, Alas Pilipinas delivered a performance that forever etched their place in the country’s sporting history.

On a magical Tuesday night, the 82nd-ranked Nationals shocked the volleyball world, stunning African champions and world No. 21 Egypt with a 29-27, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21 victory at the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.

What was once thought impossible—winning even a set against the world’s top teams—turned into a breakthrough triumph that shook Pool A standings and gave the Filipinos (1-1) a fighting chance to reach the Round of 16.

“This is history, and I am so proud to be part of it,” said Bryan Bagunas, who spearheaded the attack with 25 points on 23 kills. “We came into this game with a ‘nothing to lose’ mentality, but we showed what we are made of. It’s just a proud moment for us and the country.”

Bagunas found support from Marck Espejo and Leo Ordiales, who atoned for his tough debut against Tunisia with 21 points in the bounce-back win. Espejo capped his 13-point performance with the game-winning block that sealed the victory.

“It was all instinct on my part,” Espejo said in Filipino. “After we won the first set, I felt that it was already an achievement. But we knew we could still do better.”

For Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni, the victory was more than just a number in the standings.

“I am very happy—not because we won, but because we were able to show that we can play well on this stage. They gave us an opportunity to win the match and we took it,” he said.

The win sets up a pivotal clash with world No. 16 Iran on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena. Iran, Asia’s top-ranked squad, is coming off a rebound victory over Tunisia but had previously lost to Egypt—making the duel against the Philippines even more intriguing.

From doubted hosts to history-makers, Alas Pilipinas has proven it belongs among the world’s best—and now, the dream of advancing is suddenly within reach.

Libero Josh Ybañez refuses to guarantee results but promises heart as Alas Pilipinas prepares to battle Egypt at the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship this afternoon at MOA Arena.  

The 22-year-old defensive stalwart admires Egypt’s composure and discipline, calling their recent win over Iran a standard to aspire to.

“They played really well, very organized and disciplined,” Ybañez said in Filipino, describing Egypt’s win. “What really stood out to me was their composure under pressure and how consistent they were with their execution. It was a big learning experience for us, because that’s the kind of standard we want to reach, too.”

Last Friday, the Philippines, coming off a spirited late rally against Tunisia in its World Championship debut, looks to build on lessons learned as it faces the world No. 18 squad. 

“We learned a lot from our first game, especially on the defensive side. It gave us more confidence that we can keep up. For the second game, we’ll bring that same energy and hopefully, we can apply the coaches’ adjustments even better.” Ybanez said. 

Ybañez, a two-time UAAP MVP now anchoring the national team’s defense, believes composure and grit will be key. Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni will again rely on Bryan Bagunas, Marck Espejo, and Owa Retamar to lead the charge.

“Our mindset is simple: fight with all our heart and give everything we’ve got. What we can promise is that we’ll do everything to prove we’re worthy to carry the Philippine flag and represent the country on this stage.” Ybañez added,

Veteran spikers Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo will headline Alas Pilipinas Men as the team makes its first-ever appearance at the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025. 

“Ito, big tournament talaga. Lahat naman po kami talaga ready. Pero siyempre as a team, malayo pa. Malayo pa yung kailangan gawin. Pero malayo na rin ang in-improve ng team since nagsama-sama kami before training camp sa Europe,” said Espejo. 

The duo will lead a roster featuring Leo Ordiales, Michaelo Buddin, Jade Disquitado, Louie Ramirez, setter Owa Retamar, and backup Eco Adajar.

The middle blockers are Kim Malabunga, Peng Taguibolos, and Lloyd Josafat, with defensive duties handled by Josh Ybañez, Jack Kalingking, and Vince Lorenzo. 

“It’s a big challenge for us middle blockers because we have to protect the team through our blocking,” said Malabunga. 

“That’s why we need to apply everything coach Angiolino [Frigoni] is teaching us so we can help the team. So far, our training has been really good. Our transitions are improving,” he added. 

Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni will steer the squad, who prepared with a European training camp.

“Coach Angiolino [Frigoni] always reminds us that it doesn’t have to be a complete block. What matters is at least getting a touch on the ball, slowing it down — that’s the goal. That will help our team,” echoed Josafat.

“I know it’s going to be difficult for me because of the height disparity. Our opponents will be much taller for sure. But if we can’t score on the attack or get a clean block, we’ll find other ways to contribute to the team,” Taguibolos said.

And if the middle blockers form the wall at the net, the liberos are the shield on the floor — the last line of defense, keeping rallies alive with every dig and reception.

Jack Kalingking and Vince Lorenzo, along with Josh Ybañez, take on the responsibility of keeping rallies alive, knowing their steadiness could make all the difference in the nation’s World Championship debut.

“I’ll just apply what we learned in Europe, what our coaches taught us, and of course, it feels great that if I manage to dig or receive the ball, it’s already a big accomplishment. It means I’ve done my role,” Lorenzo said.

Veteran Kalingking, who was also part of the national team that claimed silver in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, serves as an anchor not only on the floor but also in the minds of his younger teammates.

“The most important thing is probably guiding them the right way — showing the right character, how to help the team, and of course, building their confidence so they can show they’re not afraid on the court,” he said.

Meanwhile, with the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship looming from September 12-28 Alas Pilipinas’ defenders are preparing for the toughest challenge of their careers. 

Knowing that every dig, reception, and block could be decisive against taller, more experienced opponents, Alas Pilipinas’ backline is sharpening its discipline and resilience ahead of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship. 

The Philippines opens its campaign against Tunisia this Friday, September 12 at the Mall of Asia Arena, determined to hold their own against the world’s best.

A mini volleyball tournament featuring four local teams will highlight the “Set Na Natin ‘To” Trophy and Mascot Tour this Saturday, August 24, at the newly-opened SM City Laoag.

Competing at Dap Ayan Park are Block Builders, Laoag MVT, PSQ, and NWU, in what organizers say will be both a celebration of the sort and a showcase of Ilocos Norte’s grassroots talent.

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.