Owa Retamar, Elijah Kim, John Michael Paglaon, and Eco Adajar each make a compelling case to steer the offense for Alas Pilipinas in their 2025 FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship campaign.
With the Philippines hosting the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship, the battle for setter spots is one of the most critical storylines in Alas Pilipinas’ 21-man training pool.
Only a handful will make the cut for the final 14, and with the setter’s role as the “brain” of the team, the decision carries weight.
Four names are in contention: Owa Retamar, Elijah Tae-Yin Kim, John Michael Paglaon, and Eco Adajar.
Each has a different argument for why he should be trusted to orchestrate the offense.
Owa Retamar
Owa Retamar has been steering Alas Pilipinas Men's offense over the past international tournaments. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
Owa Retamar has long been the heartbeat of NU’s championship machine and has carried that same command into the national team.
He steered Alas Pilipinas in several international tournaments since 2019, where his ability to involve the middles stood out.
His experience in high-pressure matches, plus his familiarity with Alas’ core players, make him the most natural choice to run the system.
[ALSO READ: Six years after SEAG silver, Owa Retamar relishes shot to show off PH volleyball in Worlds]
Elijah Tae-Yin Kim
Elijah Kim brings a unique edge as a Korean-Filipino with training stints abroad.
Not much is known about Kim, except that he was included in the 21-man pool for the World Championship.
Still, his international discipline and adaptability could make him an intriguing option for Angiolino Frigoni, who could be seeking a different playmaking style.
John Michael Paglaon
Another rather unknown setter, John Michael Paglaon, is the underdog story in the pool, climbing from grassroots programs to the national stage.
He’s made his mark in Spikers’ Turf with gutsy sets with the Savouge Spin Doctors—something that could inject unpredictability when Alas needs a momentum shift.
Eco Adajar
Eco Adajar comes in for Steven Rotter during the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
Eco Adajar has proven himself to be a valuable backup setter alongside Retamar during Alas’ recent international tournaments.
The DLSU star may not be as flashy as the younger contenders, but his maturity and court sense provide a safety net for the team.
Only two—or at most three—are likely to survive the final cut, and the decision should be much more obvious for this one.
Still, whoever remains will shoulder the crucial responsibility of running the offense when the Philippines makes its historic World Championship debut.