Through their rivalry, Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo are not only elevating their own games but also shining a spotlight on Philippine men's volleyball.
Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo rekindled their storied rivalry on Sunday night.
Bagunas towed Cignal from a set down, pulling off a cardiac escape act over Espejo and Criss Cross, 20-25, 25-15, 23-25, 25-23, 15-12, in the battle of undefeated teams in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference.
Bagunas, who battled through cramps, had himself a night, churning out 27 points in the victory.
On the other end, Espejo, who only flew back from South Korea a day prior, shrugged off fatigue and put up a gutsy stand with 19 points in his King Crunchers debut.
[ALSO READ: Spikers’ Turf: Bryan Bagunas, Cignal spoil Marck Espejo's Philippine homecoming with Criss Cross]
It was an instant classic, marking the first time the two international-caliber players locked horns in over five years.
After essaying yet another thrilling chapter to their storied history, both Bagunas and Espejo now share a singular mission – to leverage their rivalry as a driving force to widen the reach of men’s volleyball in the country.
The Cignal-Criss Cross match, which drew a high-spirited crowd of 2,016 spectators, stands as proof that the awareness for the sport is steadily growing.
To make things sweeter, it took place at the PhilSports Arena, the same location where both Bagunas and Espejo led the Nationals to a historic silver in the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
“Siyempre sobrang natutuwa ako kasi ito naman talaga 'yung goal namin. Na dumami ‘yung manood na fans sa men’s volleyball tournament dito sa Pilipinas kasi siyempre alam naman natin na hindi ganun ka-sikat ‘yung men’s [volleyball] dito,” Bagunas gushed.
Espejo likewise could not help but marvel at the support the marquee clash had garnered.
“Grabe nagulat din ako. Kung sa Paco [Arena] ginawa ‘to baka kulang pa. Nagulat ako na may mga mukha namin sa [Criss Cross] fans, ‘yung Cignal fans ang dami rin. Talagang inabangan ‘tong game na ‘to,” Espejo said.
“I hope nabigyan namin sila ng magandang laban.”
[ALSO READ: After leading Cignal to win vs. Criss Cross, Bryan Bagunas set to leave for Taiwan to suit up for Win Streak in All-Star Game]
Espejo and Bagunas have been contesting for championships and accolades since their collegiate days with Ateneo and National University, respectively. The two would then bring their intense battles to the Spikers’ Turf before taking their acts overseas.
Over time, their rivalry, once fierce and uncompromising, has blossomed into something more profound.
“Siyempre sakin, hindi naman kami nagpapataasan. Basta ang goal lang namin, kasi parati rin kaming naguusap kasi kaming dalawa yung men’s [players] na naglalaro internationally. Ang goal din talaga namin is pakita lang namin kung anong meron ‘yung men’s [volleyball] para ma-excite ‘yung mga tao,” Bagunas stated.
[ALSO READ: Spikers’ Turf: Marck Espejo thrilled to be back in the Philippines with new team Criss Cross]
Espejo shares the same perspective, saying: “Between sa amin pinaguusapan din naman namin ‘to na maglaro sa Pilipinas talaga. Ayun, nagkalaban kami. Siguro samin, wala naman masyadong special pero sa volleyball fans kasi inaabangan nila ‘to.
“I hope sa ginawa namin na bumalik kami sa Pilipinas eh napataas namin yung men’s volleyball.”