Owa Retamar is raring to don the tricolors of the Philippines in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship.
For flag and country, Owa Retamar is more than willing to earn his spot in the Philippine men's national volleyball team once more.
A year removed from sitting out in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia, the National University setter has received an invitation to try out for the tricolor squad who will compete in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship.
The Philippines has earned a spot by virtue of being the host.
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"Sobrang saya kasi nainvite ulit ako na magtryout para sa national team tapos ito yung preparation namin. Paghahandaan ko po talaga para mapasok ako sa line up," Retamar vowed.
The 6-foot-1 playmaker last donned the tricolors of the country in the 31st SEA Games in 2022, where the Philippines wound up in fifth place in a seven-team field.
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Retamar, who helped the Nationals clinch silver in the 30th SEA Games in 2019, assured that he will go all out for a chance to bring glory to the country anew.
“Ako naman po kasi, hindi ako basta sumasali kapag alam kong hindi ko mabibigay ang 100% ko. Ngayon po na ready na ako at kung nandiyan pa rin naman po ang tiwala ng coaches sa kaya ko ma-contribute, sino naman po ako para tanggihan ang pagkakataong mag try out at makapaglaro para sa bayan," the 22-year-old stalwart said.
"Nakaka-excite po na makita ang pagmamahal at suporta nila sa men’s international teams. Susubukan po naming Pinoy players na maging karadapat dapat din sa puso ninyo."
As host of the prestigious tournament, the Philippines has been awarded a slot in the 32-team field that will feature FIVB defending champion Italy and World No.1 Poland.
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With a golden opportunity to face off with the world's brightest stars, Retamar is raring to see action. But more than anything, he sees the tilt as an opportunity to inspire the next generation and rally support for the sport.
"Sobrang saya po kasi maraming batang matutuwa, 'yung mga susunod sa amin pero siyempre kami muna 'yung matutuwa kasi mga idol namin 'yung makakalaban namin e and minsan lang mangyari to kaya masaya talaga," he said,
The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) said that national head coach Sergio Veloso, along with his reputable deputies in Dante Alinsunurin and Odjie Mamon, will assemble a 25-strong pool once the pro and collegiate leagues end.
Then in the succeeding months, 14 players would be selected for the main roster that will compete in the renowned showpiece, which will take place from September 12 to 28 next year.