Creamline star Alyssa Valdez is the latest to salute Alas Pilipinas Men’s inspiring journey in the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship.
Heartbreak may have ended Alas Pilipinas' 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship campaign, but their gallant run won the nation’s pride — and drew admiration from local volleyball icon Alyssa Valdez.
The Creamline Cool Smashers star commended Alas Men's gallant showing in the global stage, where the Philippines came agonizingly close to reaching the Round of 16.
“Mabuhay kayo, Alas!!! Sobrang nakakaproud! Nowhere to go but up!” Valdez wrote in a Facebook post.
Alas Men stood on the verge of an improbable Round of 16 appearance, with a reversed winning point proving to be the main cause of heartbreak in a thrilling five-setter vs. Iran.
[ALSO READ: Alas Pilipinas end historic FIVB World Championship run with five-set heartbreak vs Iran]
For a fleeting moment, the dream felt real when Kim Malabunga appeared to seal the match with a block on Ali Haghparast, putting the Philippines ahead, 20-18, in the decisive fifth set.
But Iran’s crucial challenge overturned the call, as officials ruled Malabunga’s hand grazed the net — nullifying the point and shifting the momentum.
The development left Alas Pilipinas stunned, and the national team struggled to regroup as Iran scored three of the next four points to snatch the victory.
[ALSO READ: FIVB | Piazza praises Alas after narrow Iran escape: 'They deserve to be in first 16 teams']
Aside from Valdez, Alas Women’s captain Jia De Guzman and teammate Fifi Sharma also saluted their male counterparts for proving the country can hang on with the world's best.
[ALSO READ: Jia De Guzman, Fifi Sharma lead PH volleyball support after valiant Alas FIVB MWCH run]
Dropping to as low as world no. 88, the Philippines defied the odds —rising to no. 77 mid-tournament, before finishing 19th overall in the 32-nation joust.
[ALSO READ: Alas Pilipinas end historic FIVB World Championship run at 19th place]
[ALSO READ: Alyssa Valdez reunites with Team USA captain Micah Christenson at FIVB Worlds]
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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.