Marck Espejo is raring to represent the Philippines for the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.
While there are no guaranteed spots on the Philippine men’s national volleyball team, Marck Espejo is ready to answer the call whenever duty beckons.
Espejo expressed his full commitment to represent the flag and country in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, slated to run from September 12 to 28 next year.
“Siyempre, hindi naman ako nage-expect agad na makukuha ako or hindi. Basta kapag ipatawag ako, gagawin ko 'yung best ko,” the well-traveled outside hitter said.
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As host of the prestigious tournament, the Philippines has been granted a slot in the 32-team field that will feature FIVB defending champion Italy and World No.1 Poland.
With a golden opportunity to face off against the world’s brightest stars and elevate the awareness for the sport to greater heights, Espejo is filled with gratitude.
“Sobrang grateful talaga, sobrang blessed na mabigyan kami ng chance na makapaglaro sa isa sa mga pinakamataas na leagues sa men’s volleyball sa world,” he said.
“Siguro ‘di naman kami nage-expect na kailangan naming manalo. Siguro kailangan lang namin gawin is magandang laban bawat countries.”
Espejo, one of the country’s finest athletes, is among the favorites to secure a spot in the Nationals.
The 27-year-old high flyer led the Philippines to a historic silver in the 30th Southeast Games in 2019. He also donned the country’s tricolors in the Asian Games last year before capturing his first professional title with the Incheon Korean Air Jumbos in the Korea V. League.
He also teamed up with Bryan Bagunas and Jau Umandal for the Philippines in the SEA V.League.
Espejo, who also carries experience playing in Japan, Bahrain, and Thailand, recently returned to the Philippines. He made his debut for Criss Cross in a five-set loss to the Bryan Bagunas-led Cignal in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf last Sunday.
[ALSO READ: Spikers’ Turf: Marck Espejo thrilled to be back in the Philippines with new team Criss Cross]
Espejo hopes national team coaches Sergio Veloso, Dante Alinsunurin, and Odjie Mamon will be able to form the 25-man training pool as soon as possible to kickstart the preparation process.
“Siguro after nung Spikers’ Turf, may tatlong coaches na tumitingin sa team, I hope alam na nila kung sino yung mga kailangan kunin para mabuo agad ‘yung team kasi hindi biro ‘tong ligang ‘to, kailangan as of now ready ka na, prepared ka na,” he said.
“I hope sa time na ‘to maging maganda yung mga desisyon ng hahawak ng team.”