Josh Ybañez embraces the pressure of the world stage and calls on Filipino fans to rally behind Alas Pilipinas as they make their 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship debut.
Josh Ybañez is soaking in every moment of his rise, from a UAAP star to a key piece in the national team, as he gears up for Alas Pilipinas’ historic debut in the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship.
Representing the country on the world stage is something the 22-year-old spiker-turned-libero never thought would come this soon.
But now that he’s here, Ybañez is determined to make it count.
“Of course, masaya ako, it’s an honor for us na ma-represent 'yung Philippines for the first time sa World Championship,” Ybañez said during the MRT3 Go Live! event on Wednesday. “Happy ako na for sure, I’m gonna learn so much from our opponents and sa liga na ‘to.”
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Already a crowd favorite, Ybañez knows the home crowd’s cheers can be the team’s biggest weapon—and he has a simple request.
“Sana supportahan kami ng lahat ng mga Filipinos kasi syempre may USA, mga ganyan, favorite din 'yun ng mga Pinoy, so sana supportahan nila kami,” he urged.
Pressure, he admits, is nothing new. But instead of weighing him down, it fuels him.
Facing some of the best spikers in the world, Ybañez is embracing that challenge as a full-time libero for the national team.
“Pressure constant ‘yun eh, laging nandoon yun even kahit hindi 'yung world championship yung nilalaruan ko. Lagi pong may pressure. So ayun, inembrace ko lang and mas minamahal ko lang 'yung ginagawa ko,” he said.
What makes it more special is the trust given to him by the Alas Men coaching staff, which he says gave him the confidence to step up on the international stage.
“Actually, at first, I really didn’t expect. But then nakita ko 'yung trust ni coach sa akin, so parang mas naano ako na kaya ko pala. Kaya ko pala umabot sa ganong stage. So ayun, masaya ako,” Ybañez shared.
Alas Pilipinas will open the World Championship against world No. 42 Tunisia on September 12 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. This will be followed a festive opening ceremony headlined by K-pop group BOYNEXTDOOR and Cebuana singer-songwriter-actress Karencitta.
Fans can secure their seats for the historic event by purchasing tickets online at the official website: www.philippineswch2025.com