Buds Buddin made the most of his late-game entry by scoring five crucial points in the final set, helping seal Alas Pilipinas’ dramatic five-set win over Thailand.
Buds Buddin continues to come up clutch, whether it's for the NU Bulldogs or Alas Pilipinas.
Late-game heroics from Buddin lifted Alas Men to a thrilling five-set victory over powerhouse Thailand, 25-20, 22-25, 21-25, 25-20, 15-12, capping off a memorable 2025 Alas Pilipinas Invitationals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Thursday, June 12.
No stranger to coming off the bench, Buddin made the most of his opportunity, scoring all five of his points in the deciding fifth set, which included back-to-back markers that brought the national team to match point in their hard-fought win.
“Sobrang saya na first time ko ‘to nanalo against Thailand,” said Buddin. “Sanay ako sa ganun na parang binubunot na lang, so nung pinasok ako, sabi ko dapat makapag-contribute ako. Late game na ‘to, dapat every single point tiyagain namin.”
More than the clutch plays, the moment held emotional weight for Buddin, who was sharing the court with his long-time volleyball idol, Marck Espejo.
[ALSO READ: Marck Espejo eyes better form for Alas Pilipinas after 31-points explosion vs Thailand]
Buddin admitted that it has always been a dream of his to play alongside the likes of Espejo and Bryan Bagunas, two of the biggest names in Philippine men’s volleyball.
“Siyempre sa akin kasi sobrang thankful ako kasi nung SEA V.League isa sa nilook up ko si Kuya Bryan 'yung kasama ko sa court,” he said. “Sobrang happy ko lang na every time na nasa court ako kasama ko si Kuya Marck, so dapat memorable yun.”
The NU superstar even recalled swapping jerseys with Espejo during his rookie year in the UAAP.
Of course, this could only be the start for Buddin’s journey alongside the two as Alas Men expect to have Bagunas come the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship.
“Hindi ko masabi kung kailan kami huling magsasama sa court. Sila 'yung naging inspirasyon ko sa court kaya tinatiyaga ko lahat,” said Budin.
“Dream come true na kasama ko si Kuya Marck at na-beat pa namin 'yung Thailand kaya ayun sobrang saya.”