Alas Pilipinas brought volleyball fever to the MRT-3 as the men's and women's teams joined fans and officials in a special "Go Live!" train activation, nine days before the country's FIVB World Championship debut.
Nine days before the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship spikes off in Manila, Alas Pilipinas took their preparations beyond the gym and onto the city’s busiest commuter line.
On Wednesday, September 3, Alas Men, led by Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo, joined MRT3 officials, the PNVF, and fans for a special “Go Live!” train activation.
From North Avenue to Ayala Station, players mingled with passengers, posed for selfies, and shared the excitement of the country’s first-ever hosting of the 32-nation world tournament.
The train itself was decked out in full tournament branding, serving as a mobile billboard for one of the biggest events in Philippine sports history.
“We are at the final stages of preparations and we’re happy to say that we’re all set and ready to serve in this hosting,” said PNVF president and AVC head Ramon “Tats” Suzara, who joined MRT3 GM Michael Capati and PNVF secretary-general Don Caringal in leading the activation.
Also in attendance on Wednesday were Owa Retamar, Kim Malabunga, Steve Rotter, Louie Ramirez, Buds Buddin, Leo Ordiales, Josh Ybañez, Peng Taguibolos, Lucca Mamone, Vince Lorenzo, Jack Kalingking, and Lloyd Josafat.
Members of Alas Women were also present, including coach Jorge Souza De Brito, Jia De Guzman, Eya Laure, Maddie Madayag, and Cla Loresco.
[ALSO READ: Alas Women rally support for FIVB Men’s World Championship: ‘It’s going to be amazing’]
Bagunas, who will make his return come the World Championships, shared his excitement to train with the team once more after over a year of recovery.
“I’m really happy to be back on the court. I wouldn’t say I’m at 100 percent yet, but I’m doing my best to catch up with the team,” Bagunas said.
“We all know how high the level of competition is now, so I’m pushing myself to keep up with them.”
[ALSO READ: Bryan Bagunas ready ‘physically and mentally’ for return in FIVB World Championship]
Espejo echoed the sentiment, hoping that Alas Men can pull off an upset against their Pool A opponents in Tunisia, Egypt, and Iran.
“I’m excited, but we’re still focused on training so we can bring out the team’s full potential,” said Espejo. “This is a big tournament, of course, but all of us are ready.”
“As a team, we still have a long way to go, but we’ve also come a long way since we started training together, especially during our training camp in Europe,” he added.
[ALSO READ: Marck Espejo back in stride as Alas Men wrap up Europe camp ahead of World Championship]
The MRT-3 activation was part of a nationwide push to bring volleyball closer to Filipinos ahead of the Worlds, which runs from September 12 to 28 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Alas Pilipinas opens against Tunisia on September 12 at MOA Arena, followed by an electrifying opening ceremony headlined by K-pop group BOYNEXTDOOR and Cebuana singer Karencitta.