Alas Women’s Jia De Guzman and Fifi Sharma led the overwhelming show of support from the Philippine volleyball community for Alas Men, whose FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025 campaign came to a heartbreaking end.
The buzzer had barely sounded when the tears came, but so did the love.
After Alas Pilipinas Men fell just short of advancing to the Round of 16 at the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025, the Filipino volleyball community poured in their support—led by women’s national team captain Jia De Guzman.
“I’m mighty proud and in absolute awe of the world-class volleyball our Alas Men’s team showed,” De Guzman wrote on social media.
“This is a huge testament to their sacrifices and the continuous work they poured out for 16 months. Now is not the time to stop. This is just the beginning. Mabuhay kayo! Salamat sa paglaban!”
[Alas Women team captain Jia De Guzman shows her support as Alas Men end their FIVB Men's Volleyball Championship 2025 run in a heartbreak | Instagram: juliacmorado]
Her words captured the sentiment of a sport-loving nation that rallied behind a group ranked No. 77 in the world, yet stood toe-to-toe with continental powerhouse Iran in a two-hour, five-minute thriller that ended in a 25-21, 21-25, 25-17, 23-25, 20-22 heartbreak.
[ALSO READ: Alas Pilipinas Men now begin their search for true ‘Paradise’]
The loss eliminated the No. 77 Filipinos in the tournament while making Iran as the last remaining Asian team standing in the competition.
[ALSO READ: Kim Malabunga sorry for net touch in Alas’ heartbreaker vs Iran: 'Dapat panalo na 'yon']
De Guzman’s national team teammates in Fifi Sharma, alongside three-time UAAP champion and MVP Bella Bellen and star hitter Eya Laure, Fifi Sharma also applauded their male counterparts for their efforts.
“Great game Alas. So happy to see Philippine volleyball on the big stage,” Sharma wrote in an Instagram Story.
[Alas Women's Fifi Sharma posts an Instagram Story watching Alas Men battle Iran in the FIVB Men's Volleyball Championship 2025
| Instagram: mereophe]
[Instagram: eyalaure]
[Instagram: mhicaelabelen]
Capital 1 Solar Spikers playmaker Iris Tolenada also tipped her hat to Alas Men.
"Such an amazing game to watch. Huge step forward in Philippine volleyball. Heartbreaking loss, but congrats to Alas Pilipinas Men on the big and small wins in the tournament,” Tolenada said.
[Capital 1's Iris Tolenada commends Alas Men's historical FIVB Men's Volleyball Championship 2025 run | Instagram: iristolenada]
Current professional and collegiate men's volleyball players also expressed their admiration for Team Philippines, who secured their sole win of the tournament with a stunning sweep over world No. 27 Egypt.
“World-class. Sobrang nakaka-proud kayo, Alas!” Criss Cross King Crunchers hitter Rex Intal said in an Instagram post.
“Super sayang! Pero saludo ako at ang alahat ng Pilipino sa inyo, Alas,” Savouge Spin Doctors hitter Mark Calado shared.
“🫡🇵🇭,” Cignal HD Spikers star hitter Jao Umandal bared.
“World-class Alas,” Adamson’s Leo Coguimbal said.
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.