The Philippine volleyball community grieves the loss of 21-year-old spiker Ike Barilea, whose talent and heart made him a beloved figure within Alas Pilipinas and the local volleyball scene.
The Philippine volleyball community is mourning the passing of promising young spiker Ike Barilea, who died at the age of 21.
The heartbreaking news was announced by Alas Pilipinas through their official social media page on Tuesday, where the national team paid tribute to the former men’s pool member with a heartfelt message.
“The court feels emptier, and our hearts heavier. Rest easy, Alas Ike Barilea. Thank you for the laughter, the memories, and the heart you gave to the team,” the post read.
“Heaven gained an angel, but we lost a piece of ours. Fly high, our dear Alas.”
Barilea made a name for himself as a dependable scorer in the local volleyball circuit, most notably representing 1Silay Volleyball Club in the 2025 PNVF U21 National Volleyball Championships Men’s Division, where his power and composure stood out.
His strong play earned him a spot in the Alas Pilipinas Men’s pool for the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship in Manila, but missed out on making the final lineup.
[ALSO READ: Alas Pilipinas Men spikers: Who will bring the fire in the FIVB World Championship?]
Despite his young age, Barilea’s passion, energy, and positivity left a lasting mark on teammates, coaches, and fans alike.
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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.