Bryan Bagunas embraced the magnitude of Alas Pilipinas' historic victory in the 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship, calling it the beginning of a new era for Philippine volleyball on the world stage.
Bryan Bagunas has seen his fair share of battles in a Philippine jersey, but there's none more meaningful and historic than the one on Tuesday, September 16.
Alas Pilipinas made history in front of a roaring Mall of Asia Arena crowd, notching their first-ever win in the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship by stunning African champions Egypt in four sets, 29-27, 23-25, 25-21, 25-17.
Bagunas, the team’s unquestioned leader, powered the way with a masterful 25-point explosion.
“Syempre, ito nga, history nga. Sobrang masaya na parte ako ng history na 'to,” Bagunas said afterwards.
“Sobrang nakaka-speechless 'to pag nanalo kami. Ginawa lang namin ‘yung sinabi namin sa simula—mag-enjoy lang, nothing to lose. Ipakita lang kung ano ‘yung natutunan at meron tayo.”
Ace player
Bagunas was nearly unstoppable against Egypt’s towering frontline, finishing with 23 attacks and two blocks in another dominant all-around performance.
[ALSO READ: Bryan Bagunas relishes return in Alas Pilipinas’ FIVB Worlds debut vs Tunisia]
But as always, the 27-year-old superstar spiker gave credit to the rest of his team.
“Palagi naman yung mindset ko is tumulong sa team. Ayun nga in terms of points kasi doon ako mas nakakatulong sa team,” he said.
“Hindi ko naman magagawa to kung wala ‘yung mga teammates ko, lalong-lalo na coaches.”
‘Ito na siguro ang simula’
Bagunas believes the win wasn’t just about a single night—but a hopeful turning point for the Philippines on the world volleyball stage.
“Ito na siguro ‘yung simula na para mapakita namin na hindi lang kami hanggang SEA Games, hindi lang kami hanggang Asian Games," said, Bagunas.
"May ibubuga rin kami sa World Championship kagaya nga nito."
Bryan Bagunas and Alas Pilipinas Men thank the Filipino crowd after their historic FIVB Worlds win. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
Alas Men now stand one win away from a potential Round of 16 appearance, facing world no. 14 Iran next on Thursday, September 16.
But if Tuesday's victory wasn’t enough proof of the national team’s potential, Bagunas believes the Philippines can reach even higher given the support and stage.
“Sa tingin ko, malayo, malayo sobra ang mararating ng Alas. Underdog ang Pilipinas, pero sa tiyaga at suporta ng Filipinos, nandoon tayo. Kaya nating makipag-compete sa mga high-level teams.”
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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.