Owa Retamar will suit up for Visakha as the Filipino setter takes his game to Cambodia for the Sar Kheng Cup.
Alas Pilipinas setter Owa Retamar is set to see action in Cambodia after signing with Visakha Volleyball Club for the 2026 Sar Kheng Cup, officially known as the Fourth National Volleyball Championship.
Retamar departed on Tuesday, February 3, to link up with Visakha as the club finalizes preparations for the tournament, according to his management agency VP Global.
In a statement, Retamar shared that his decision to compete overseas carries a deeper purpose beyond personal growth.
“Accepting this invitation from Cambodia is my way of contributing to help sustain the visibility of Philippine men’s volleyball, especially amid the uncertainties surrounding our local teams,” Retamar said.
“I’m excited to learn from the environment there and contribute in the best way I can.”
Retamar serves as the main setter of Alas Men, where he finished fourth in the setters’ rankings during the World Championships eliminations.
He was also part of the Philippines’ historic silver medal-winning squad at the 2019 SEA Games and the bronze medal team at the 2025 SEA Games.
[ALSO READ: Owa Retamar sees SEA Games 2025 bronze as step toward continuity for Alas Pilipinas Men]
At the collegiate level, Retamar enjoyed sustained success with National University, graduating as a champion in all four playing years while serving as the team’s primary setter throughout its title run.
The move also comes just days after the Cignal Super Spikers announced their leave of absence from the upcoming Spikers’ Turf season.
[ALSO READ: Cignal Super Spikers announce leave of absence from Spikers’ Turf]
The 2026 Sar Kheng Cup will run from February 7 to March 1 at the National Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh under the Cambodia Volleyball Federation.
Under league regulations, each participating club is allowed to register one foreign player.
Retamar’s stint with Visakha in the Sar Kheng Cup adds to the growing list of Filipino players abroad, including Bryan Bagunas and Leo Aringo in Japan, as well as Marck Espejo in Taiwan.
—
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.