Alas Pilipinas Men capped a historic run in 2025 behind a breakthrough FIVB World Championship campaign and a return to the SEA Games podium.
2025 was a year that clearly reset expectations for Alas Pilipinas Men.
The change wasn't because of one result or a single highlight, but because of a body of work that showed clear progress across competitions.
It was a year defined less by hype, but more by substance.
Building blocks in the SEA V.League
Under head coach Angiolino Frigoni, Alas Men opened the year at the SEA V.League, using the tournament as both a test and a tune-up against familiar regional opponents.
The first leg in Candon City saw Leo Ordiales take on a larger role, powering the offense and earning Best Opposite Spiker honors.
Jade Disquitado and Buds Buddin chipped in with timely scoring as the team navigated matches that exposed both promise and areas for improvement.
A podium finish did not come from both legs, but the performances hinted at a group learning how to compete more consistently even without a complete roster.
Breakthrough on the world stage
The centerpiece of the year arrived in September, when the Philippines hosted the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship for the first time.
Against elite international competition, Alas Men entered with realistic expectations and a clear mindset. That approach paid off with a historic pool-play win over Egypt, the program’s first victory at the World Championship level.
[ALSO READ: Marck Espejo hopes historic FIVB Worlds victory can inspire next generation of Alas Pilipinas]
Momentum carried into a five-set battle against Iran, where Bryan Bagunas and the rest of Alas pushed the world no. 16 team to the final rally. Despite the heartbreaking defeat, the performance itself stood as proof of progress.
[ALSO READ: Kim Malabunga sorry for net touch in Alas’ heartbreaker vs Iran: 'Dapat panalo na 'yon']
Finishing 19th overall, Alas Men closed their World Championship debut with credibility—no longer just participants, but competitors capable of challenging established teams.
Closing with a podium finish
With Alas Men on a high, they went to Thailand for the Southeast Asian Games with expectations at their highest.
The tournament proved to be challenging, but Alas Men saved their best performance for last.
In the bronze medal match, the Philippines completed a reverse sweep against Vietnam, ending a six-year SEA Games podium drought for the men’s indoor program.
It wasn’t the gold medal run that Bryan Bagunas and the rest of the national team hoped for, but the end result mattered just the same.
[ALSO READ: Bryan Bagunas proud as Alas Men turn SEA Games gold disappointment into bronze finish]
A year that moved the program forward
After years of pushing for the growth of Philippine men's volleyball, Alas Men finally showed in 2025 that they can compete regionally, hold their own internationally, and respond when the stakes are highest.
The results didn’t always align with ambition—but the trend line was clear.
From the SEA V.League to the World Championship, and finally back onto the SEA Games podium, the historic year became a reference point for what Philippine men’s volleyball can build on.
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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.