Despite competing in Thailand, coach Angiolino Frigoni and captain Bryan Bagunas bared that Alas Pilipinas Men felt “at home" behind strong Filipino support in their SEA Games opener against Myanmar.
Even in Bangkok, the Filipino spirit is impossible to miss.
Inside the Indoor Stadium Huamark, a sea of fans — nearly half of them rooting for the Philippines — rallied behind Alas Pilipinas Men in their straight-set dismissal of Myanmar to start men's volleyball action in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.
“It felt like we were playing at home today, which is really good,” said Alas head coach Angiolino Frigoni when asked about the overwhelming support the team received.
The Alas Men overcame a shaky start to sweep Myanmar, with team captain Bryan Bagunas leading the attack with a team-high 18 points. Meanwhile, Marck Espejo and Leo Ordiales contributed 10 apiece.
The win moves Alas Men closer to the semifinals, where only the top two teams from each pool advance.
Bagunas, who plays for Osaka Bluteon in Japan’s SV.League, said he was blown away by the fan turnout in favor of Alas.
“Na-goosebump ako nung nagsisigawan sila kasi di ko ine-expect na hanggang dito sa Thailand talagang sumusuporta sila. I’m so grateful for them,” he said.
Alas Men will need that energy again when they face powerhouse Indonesia on Tuesday, Dec. 16, in a crucial Pool B clash that could determine the group’s top spot.
[ALSO READ: Alas Pilipinas Men blank Myanmar to open gold-medal bid in SEA Games 2025]
(With reports from Denise Tan/Cignal)
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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.