Marck Espejo is back in stride after an ankle injury, embracing his role as a veteran leader in Alas Pilipinas’ European training camp as the squad gears up for the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship in Manila.
The work continues for Marck Espejo and Alas Pilipinas Men ahead of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.
Just like fellow veteran Bryan Bagunas, Espejo had to nurse an ankle injury before joining the squad’s three-country training camp in Morocco, Romania, and Portugal.
Now fully recovered, the 28-year-old outside hitter is looking to make up for lost time.
“I’m taking it day by day, training by training, as I work to catch up with the team after coming back from injury,” Espejo shared from their final camp leg in Santo Tirso, Portugal.
[ALSO READ: Bryan Bagunas, Alas Men hold steadfast as FIVB World Championships draw near]
The Philippines, ranked No. 82 in the world, gained valuable lessons abroad, winning two of three tune-up matches against Morocco and even snatching a set against Romania.
Espejo believes the balance of veterans and young guns gives the squad a foundation for growth.
“It’s a well-balanced team for long-term development,” he said. “We have kuyas who provide leadership and younger players with fresh legs and energy.”
[ALSO READ: Alas Pilipinas Men begin preps with 21-player pool for 2025 FIVB World Championship]
Handled by Italian tactician Angiolino Frigoni, Alas Pilipinas will face world No. 22 Tunisia on September 12 at the Mall of Asia Arena, before testing their mettle against No. 23 Egypt on September 16, and No. 13 Iran on September 18 in Pool A play.
For Espejo—who has played in Japan, Thailand, and Korea—this moment carries a weight no foreign stint can match.
“It’s a huge honor and opportunity to be part of the world championship—playing for your country feels different from playing for your club,” said the five-time UAAP MVP.
“I’ll make the most out of it because this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This is not just for me, but for the growth of men’s volleyball in the Philippines.”
The World Championship will also feature a historic opening ceremony with K-pop act BOYNEXTDOOR and Cebu’s very own Karencitta.
[ALSO READ: Josh Ybañez, Alas Men join 'Electrify' Dance Challenge for FIVB World Championship hype]
Tickets are available at philippineswch2025.com