UAAP Most Valuable Player Kennedy Batas played in his first official tournament for Alas Pilipinas in the 5th SEA V.League in Candon, Ilocos Sur.
CANDON, ILOCOS SUR — The Alas Pilipinas journey has just begun for Kennedy Batas as the reigning UAAP MVP had his first official tournament with the national team during Leg 1 of the 5th SEA V.League here.
Batas, who first suited up for Alas Pilipinas in the Alas Invitationals, was able to see action for head coach Angiolino Frigoni in the pocket regional tournament.
After wrapping up their campaign with a loss to Indonesia on Sunday night, which unfortunately relegated Alas to fourth place, Batas reflected on his national team journey so far.
[READ: Alas Pilipinas Men crash out of SEA V.League podium with loss to Indonesia]
“Yung experience ko with Alas and with the SEA V.League, sobrang saya kasi hindi siya basta-basta nakukuha ng sino man pero, representing the Philippines is an honor and an opportunity for me to show kung ano man yung meron ako,” Batas said.
“Ang sarap [din] sa feeling na yung support na binibigay ng mga taga Ilocos sa amin, sobrang nakakataba ng puso.”
Playing on home soil, Alas was able to enjoy the support of scores of volleyball fans in Ilocos Sur.
While Alas Men couldn’t finish on the podium in front of the volleyball community in Candon, Batas was grateful for the unwavering support for the national team — especially since men’s volleyball is still a growing sport in the Philippines.
Despite the setback, Batas is sure that the team will be able to repay the fans’ support, especially when they see action in the second leg of the SEA V.League.
“Sabi ko nga, nakakataba ng puso na ngayon nare-recognize na yung men’s volleyball dito sa Philippines and no matter what, sana supportahan niyo kami. No matter what happens, sana nandiyan parin kayo kasi di kami magsasawa na ipaglaban kayo,” he said.
Alas returns to action on Wednesday, July 16, as the second leg of the SEA V.League unfurls in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The Philippines is using the regional tournament as preparation for the upcoming FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship, which will be hosted by the country in September.