Marck Espejo is excited to lead Alas Pilipinas Men in the SEA V.League's first leg in Candon, Ilocos Sur, marking a rare chance for fans outside Metro Manila to witness international men’s volleyball action live.
Alas Pilipinas Men team captain Marck Espejo is thrilled about the opportunity to bring international volleyball action to the provinces as the Philippines hosts the first leg of the 2025 Southeast Asia (SEA) V.League from July 9 to 13 in Candon, Ilocos Sur.
The five-nation tournament will feature the Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Fresh off a 10th-place finish in the AVC Men’s Volleyball Nations Cup, the national team is currently in full training mode ahead of the home leg of the SEA V.League.
“So far naman, balik sa training ulit dito sa Philippines, and nag-prepare nga po sa SEA V.League sa Candon. Pero 'di pa rin kami tumitigil sa training. Tuloy-tuloy lang po,” Espejo told reporters Thursday at the PNVF office in Taguig City.
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The 28-year-old spiker also emphasized how significant it is for the team to play in a different venue and location, similar to 2023, where the first leg was held in Santa Rosa, Laguna.
“Actually, first time po maglalaro ng malayo sa Manila. Excited po kami na ibang volleyball fans at ibang Filipino na malayo sa Manila [ang] makakaranas ng chance para makanood ng games,” he said. “Excited din po kami na ma-experience and ma-feel 'yung support ng mga fans outside ng metro.”
The Candon City Arena is no stranger to hosting games in the PVL and PBA, drawing plenty of supporters in those matches.
With this in mind, Espejo is hoping that this leg in Candon can bring more visibility to the national team and ignite stronger support for men’s volleyball in the country.
“Actually, super important po siya and at the same time po para ma-promote na rin po 'yung men's volleyball sa Philippines,” he shared.
“I hope po na sa darating na game po namin sa Candon ay supportahan po at maraming pumunta at manood ng game po. Siyempre 'yung pressure naman po, lagi po ‘yan nandyan.”
Alas Men will look to continue their podium finishes in the SEA V.League as they begin their campaign on July 9 against world no. 61 Vietnam.