Bryan Bagunas called the 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship his most memorable volleyball experience, despite Alas Pilipinas' near miss against Iran.
Bryan Bagunas could not hide the sting of falling short against 16th-ranked Iran in the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship.
Alas Pilipinas had the Round of 16 ticket in their hands, before it was quickly taken away by Iran’s net touch challenge to surrender a 25-21, 21-25, 25-17, 23-25, 20-22 loss at the MOA Arena in Pasay Thursday, Sept. 18.
Still, Bagunas chose to take pride in what the Nationals accomplished on home soil.
“Siyempre, sobrang sakit para sa amin kasi nandoon na kami,” Bagunas said after the match.
“Pero masaya pa rin ako kasi naipakita ng team naming kaya naming makipag-compete sa ganitong level ng tournament.”
[RELATED STORY: Alas Pilipinas end historic FIVB World Championship run with five-set heartbreak vs Iran]
Historic milestones for Alas Pilipinas
From the beginning, Bagunas said the team never expected to reach the brink of the Round of 16, making their run even more special.
Alas made history by winning their first-ever World Championship match against Egypt, before pushing Iran to the limit, nearly advancing to the next stage.
“Hindi namin in-expect na darating kami sa ganitong pagkakataon,” Bagunas said.
“Masaya kaming umabot kami sa ganitong sitwasyong puwede kaming makapasok sa [Round of] 16. Hindi man namin in-expect pero binigyan kami ng chance and grinab namin. Pero ayun nga, hindi kami pinalad.”
Bryan Bagunas (center) huddles with his Alas Pilipinas teammates. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
[RELATED STORY: Marck Espejo after Alas' heartbreaking loss vs Iran: 'Sayang, kasi akala namin, sa'tin na']
Bagunas' most memorable moment
It was also a huge moment for Bagunas, who only returned from his ACL injury a month before the tournament.
Amid all the hardships he faced in the buildup to his comeback, the 27-year-old spiker soaked in every experience he could get on the global stage.
“Sabi nga namin, makapanalo lang kami ng first set, history na. So nanalo pa kami ng isang game, then umabot pa sa ganitong game na nag-fifth set, nagka-chance pa kami sa Round of 16,” Bagunas said.
“I think, ito na ang pinaka-memorable na volleyball experience ko.”
Amid the heartbreak, Bagunas believes the national team’s performance is only the start of something bigger for Philippine men’s volleyball.
“Naipakita naman namin kung anong mayroon 'yong men’s volleyball. Ito na ang simula para magtuluy-tuloy 'yong men’s volleyball,” said Bagunas.
“Sana, magtuluy-tuloy lang 'yong suporta ng ating mga kababayan para maipakita namin sa buong mundo na mayroon din tayong potential.”
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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.