Alas Pilipinas' middle blocker rotation is stacked with veterans and rising talents as Malabunga, Mamone, Bugaoan, Josafat, and Taguibolos battle to anchor the net for the country's World Championship run.
Every great volleyball team relies on its middle blockers to set the tone defensively and dictate momentum with well-timed quicks.
For Alas Pilipinas, the challenge is choosing which towers to trust when the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship finally unfolds in Manila this September.
Five names are in the mix—Kim Malabunga, Lucca Mamone, John Paul Bugaoan, Lloyd Josafat, and Peng Taguibolos—and each has a case to stand at the heart of the frontline.
Here's a case for each middle blocker in the 21-man Alas pool.
Kim Malabunga
Malabunga has been here before. A veteran of multiple SEA Games campaigns, the 29-year-old continues to shine, taking home the Best Middle Blocker in Leg 1 of the 2024 SEA V.League.
This included standout performances—like 10 total blocks, including six against Vietnam—while contributing nearly 7 points per match
In a tournament full of firsts for Alas Men, having a calm presence like Malabunga will prove to be critical in matches.
[ALSO READ: Alas veterans Kim Malabunga, Jack Kalingking excited for new experience in FIVB Worlds]
Lucca Mamone
Standing at 6-foot-6, the 22-year-old Mamone offers freshness and physical potential.
Despite having to play an official match yet for Alas Men, Mamone is considered one of the team's rising prospects, with raw tools that could evolve into something greater for the national team.
JP Bugaoan
Bugaoan is no stranger to excellence, earning 1st Best Middle Blocker honors in the 2022 PNVF Champions League and anchoring Cignal HD Spikers’ run to the title.
However, with plenty of middle blockers in the pool, it will be seen if head coach Angiolino Frigoni will favor Bugaoan for the Final 14 roster.
Lloyd Josafat
Josafat may not grab headlines, but his efficiency in transitions and defensive alignment is a steady presence for the team.
His AVC Men's Champions League stats of 3.50 points per match with a 66.7% attack success rate, underscore his reliable contribution.
Amid the talented pool in the middle, Josafat has found himself playing time and even started in several matches during the recent SEA V.League.
Only time will tell if Frigoni will continue on with Josafat in the World Championship.
Peng Taguibolos
At 6-foot-6, Taguibolos has shown flashes of brilliance during his stint for Alas Men, even getting the nod as a starter in several matches.
While his blocking has been evident, becoming a scoring threat is something that the NU product will have to develop further.
Still, Frigoni wants size for his lineup, and he won’t need to look further with Taguibolos.
Final verdict
The middle blocker pool shows off a mix of experience and promise in the Alas Pilipinas roster.
Only a select few will make the final 14, but whoever stands in the middle will carry the responsibility of protecting the rim and setting the tone for the team’s historic World Championship debut on home soil.
—
Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.