Marck Espejo fought back tears as Alas Pilipinas tasted victory — and then defeat — in a whirlwind match against Iran in the FIVB Men’s World Championship.
Marck Espejo readied himself to talk to the media, eyes glassy, voice cracking.
The scoreboard at the MOA Arena read 21-25, 25-21, 17-25, 23-25, 22-20, in favor of World No. 16 Iran, and with it came the end of Alas Pilipinas’ fairy-tale run in the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship Thursday, Sept. 18.
What could have been the biggest upset in Philippine men’s volleyball slipped away in the cruelest way possible — on a reversed point after a successful challenge.
[RELATED STORY: Alas Pilipinas end historic FIVB World Championship run with five-set heartbreak vs Iran]
And for Espejo, who has carried the weight of Philippine volleyball on his shoulders for nearly a decade, the pain was almost too much to contain.
“Sayang, kasi akala namin, sa’tin na,” Espejo said as he held back tears.
“Sayang lang talaga. Proud ako sa team na ito, kung saan ang inabot, kasi walang nag-expect na ganito kalayo tayo aabot.”
The dream that almost happened for Alas Pilipinas
Marck Espejo lies on the floor right as Alas Pilipinas absorbs a five-set defeat to Iran in the FIVB Men's World championship Thursday, Sept. 18. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
Espejo had been there in Alas' struggles and small victories: the Southeast Asian Games battles, the long droughts and the quiet grind of training camps.
Yet, nothing compared to the sight of a roaring home crowd celebrating as the Philippines stood a few points away from being the last Asian team standing in the global joust.
At 20-18 in the fifth set, after a Bagunas hit and a Kim Malabunga block, the Philippines looked destined for history.
Espejo raised his arms, the crowd erupted and for a fleeting moment, victory felt real.
Then came the challenge, the reversal and the heartbreak.
The Iranians pounced as they blocked Espejo’s spike to seal their Round of 16 ticket.
Finding pride in defeat
Despite the pain, Espejo remained proud of what the national team had accomplished, especially entering the tournament as World No. 88.
The five-time UAAP Most Valuable Player also knows the World Championship is only the beginning for Alas Men.
“Nothing to be ashamed of talaga kasi ginawa namin 'yong best namin,” said Espejo.
“Happy and proud ako sa team na ito. Nakakagulat na maging ganito ang resulta against the top teams. Siguro, ito rin 'yong bunga noong pinaghirapan namin noong offseason.”
Marck Espejo is hugged by his Alas Pilipinas teammates after the squad's five-set loss to Iran in the FIVB Men's World Championship Thursday, Sept. 18. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
Plenty to be thankful for
Even in heartbreak, Espejo chose to look beyond the pain and thank the people who made the journey possible: his teammates, his federation and the thousands of Filipinos who filled the arena with deafening cheers.
“Super thankful din ako sa team na ibinigay 'yong best nila,” Espejo said.
“Thankful din ako sa lahat ng fans, sa lahat ng sumuporta at pumunta dito, nag-cheer, sumigaw. Super na-appreciate ko talaga, as in.”
“Super thankful lang ako sa PNVF sa pagdala ng World Championship dito sa Philippines and nabigyan kami ng opportunity to play. Thankful ako for this moment.”
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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.