Aiming to return to the SEA Games podium for the first time since 2019, Alas Pilipinas Men begin their campaign with a Pool B matchup against Myanmar.
Marck Espejo and Alas Pilipinas Men open their SEA Games 2025 campaign in Pool B against Myanmar on Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Indoor Stadium Huamark.
First serve is set for 1:30 p.m., with the match also available on the Pilipinas Live app.
[ALSO READ: SCHEDULE | Alas Pilipinas compete at SEA Games 2025 volleyball]
The game marks the Philippines’ first international action since its breakthrough run at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball World Championship, where the Alas Men recorded a historic win over Egypt before narrowly missing the quarterfinals.
[ALSO READ: Lessons from the best: What Alas can learn from teams in FIVB Men's World Championship]
Espejo headlines a familiar core alongside skipper Bryan Bagunas, with much of the World Championship lineup returning as the team looks to end a podium drought dating back to 2019.
[ALSO READ: Alas Men retain World Championship core, add rookie Al-Bukharie Sali for SEA Games bid]
Since that silver-medal run six years ago, the Philippines has struggled at the regional level, finishing fifth in both the 2022 Vietnam and the 2023 Cambodia edition of the SEA Games.
With expectations high after their recent success, Alas Pilipinas are aiming for a strong start against Myanmar, with a win setting the tone for their next showdown against three-time defending champion Indonesia on Tuesday, Dec. 16.
[ALSO READ: Alas Men take rising expectations in stride at SEA Games 2025]
(With reports from Pao Ambat)
—
[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]