Bryan Bagunas declared himself physically and mentally ready for his much-awaited national team return, as Alas Pilipinas brace for a historic campaign in the 2025 FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship.
Bryan Bagunas is eager to make his long-awaited return to action as Alas Pilipinas Men gear up for their historic stint in the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship in Manila.
Bagunas declared himself “physically and mentally” prepared after his ACL injury back in the 2024 SEA V.League.
In fact, the 27-year-old spiker admitted that his excitement outweighs any nerves as he eyes his comeback on the biggest stage.
“Prepared naman ‘yung sarili ko na makabalik sa loob ng court. Actually, excited ako na makabalik. Lalo na, World Championship 'yung sasalihan, sobrang excited ako,” Bagunas told One Sports. “Siyempre, at the same time, dahan-dahan lang pero siyempre, World Championship 'yun, kailangan natin bigay [lahat] dun.”
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Bagunas, who signed with Japan’s Osaka Bluteon, returned to training during Alas Men’s training camp in Europe.
While on the sidelines, the former NU star got a front-row seat to the team’s steady rise under Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni.
“Pagbalik ko with the team, sobrang laking improvement na nakita ko sa kanila. Sobrang taas na skills level nila, so tingin ko, nandun na rin mga connection nila,” he said.
Bagunas also credited the coaching staff and the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) for raising the level of the men’s program, which he believes is now in a stronger position to compete against the world’s elite.
“Malaking bagay 'yung mga naituro ng coaching staff sa amin, naituro nila coach Frigoni and support ng PNVF. Talagang nakikita namin na magiging maganda 'yung posture ng men’s volleyball,” he added.
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Alas Pilipinas, ranked No. 82 in the world, opens their campaign against No. 42 Tunisia on September 12 at the Mall of Asia Arena before facing No. 23 Egypt and No. 13 Iran in Pool A play.
While outsiders may not expect much from the Filipinos, Bagunas believes the World Championship will be the perfect platform to showcase how far Philippine men’s volleyball has come.
“Kami naman, magpe-perform lang kami. Ipapakita lang namin kung ano 'yung mga natutunan sa mga coaches namin at ipapakita namin na may chance na makapag-compete ang Philippine men’s volleyball sa world stage,” Bagunas said. “Ito 'yung start para mas makilala Philippine men’s volleyball.”