Owa Retamar banks on the experience gained from Alas Pilipinas' European training camp as the team readies for its historic 2025 FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship debut.
Owa Retamar and Alas Pilipinas Men are taking in all the experiences and lessons from their three-country European training camp for the 2025 FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship.
The 25-year-old setter admitted that facing taller, stronger squads from Morocco, Romania, and Portugal initially felt overwhelming, but in the end, it brought out the best in them.
“At first, I was a bit nervous because everyone here is so tall. We felt like high schoolers compared to them,” Retamar said. “But we’re happy because we realized that even if we’re smaller, we can still keep up with them. They have a height advantage, but we can match their skills. Our training camp has been exhausting, but it was so worth it. It helped us a lot.”
Once the youngest member of the national team when he steered the Philippines to a historic silver medal in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, Retamar has now stepped into a veteran role.
While Retamar may lead the team’s playmaking alongside newcomers Eco Adajar and Elijah Tae-yin Kim, the Cignal HD Spiker admits he still relies on superstars Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo for guidance.
“The three of us setters really support each other, especially during games. We always talk about strategies to score quickly, so we’ve become a great trio on the court,” he said. “Even now, I still struggle to act like a senior on the team. That’s why Kuya Bryan and Kuya Marck always remind me that I need to step up and be a leader.”
[ALSO READ: Marck Espejo back in stride as Alas Men wrap up Europe camp ahead of World Championship]
Under Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni, Retamar said his development has gone beyond just tactics and skills as he’s also learning how to elevate his mindset.
“I’m improving in a lot of ways, even my attitude when it comes to volleyball. Even if I can’t always show it or do what’s expected of me right away, I’m really trying, for myself and for my team,” he said.
Retamar is one of 21 pool members vying for a spot in the Final 14 lineup for the Philippines' historic debut in the FIVB World Championship, set from September 12 to 28 at the Mall of Asia Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Philippines opens against Tunisia on September 12, followed by Egypt on September 16 and Iran on September 18 in Pool A action.
Fans will also be treated to a first-of-its-kind opening ceremony featuring K-pop sensation BOYNEXTDOOR and Cebuana artist Karencitta.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and we just want to make the most out of it,” Retamar said. “Playing against world-class teams reminded us that we can compete, and now it’s time to show that on our home court.”
[ALSO READ: Bryan Bagunas, Alas Men hold steadfast as FIVB World Championships draw near]
Tickets to the FIVB Men’s Worlds are available at philippineswch2025.com