John Franklin Kennedy Caacbay

Alas Pilipinas Men's Marck Espejo, Bryan Bagunas, Louie Ramirez, Lloyd Josafat, Vince Lorenzo, Peng Taguibolos and Jade Disquitado. Handout/PNVF Communications

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Alas Pilipinas Men

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1755590442344alas.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Alas Pilipinas Men&#x27;s Marck Espejo, Bryan Bagunas, Louie Ramirez, Lloyd Josafat, Vince Lorenzo, Peng Taguibolos and Jade Disquitado. Handout/PNVF Communications</div>MANILA — After recovering from an ankle injury, Marck Espejo is catching up with Alas Pilipinas Men ahead of the FIVB Men’s World Championship 2025.The Alas veteran is continuing his progress &quot;day by day&quot; as he regains his shape just in time for the Philippine-hosted 32-nation tournament alongside Bryan Bagunas, who also came from an injury.“I’m taking it day by day, training by training, as I work to catch up with the team after coming back from injury,” said Espejo in a statement made available to the media.Espejo and the national team, after practicing in Morocco and Romania, are now in Portugal to conclude their three-country European training camp.There were positive signs during this camp as the Philippine team won two of its three tune-up matches against world No. 87 Morocco, and yielded—but not without gaining a set—to the Romanian national squad.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/volleyball/2025/8/19/look-commemorative-stamps-celebrating-ph-s-hosting-of-fivb-men-s-world-championship-1607">LOOK: Commemorative stamps celebrating PH&#x27;s hosting of FIVB Men&#x27;s World Championship</a></div>Banking on these preparations in Europe as well as this mix of young blood and seasoned players, Espejo believes growth is on the way for Alas Men, currently ranked 82nd.“It’s well-balanced team [Alas] for long-term growth,” Espejo said. “We have experienced veterans and &#x27;kuyas&#x27; who provide leadership, and younger players with fresh legs and a lot of energy.”<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/volleyball/2025/8/13/-we-re-ready-suzara-assures-a-month-before-ph-hosting-of-world-championship-0027">READ: &#x27;We&#x27;re ready,&#x27; Suzara assures a month before PH hosting of FIVB Men&#x27;s World Championship</a></div>Reflecting on this rare participation at the worlds while donning the national tri-colors, Espejo there&#x27;s nothing left to do but pounce on it. The 28-year-old outside spiker previously played in Japan, Korea, and Thailand; but for him, nothing beats wearing the Philippine jersey.“It’s a huge honor and opportunity to be part of the world championship—playing for your country feels different from playing for your club,” he said. “I’ll make the most out of it because this is a once in a lifetime experience.”The Angiolino Frigoni-coached squad will open its worlds campaign against Tunisia on September 12 at the Mall of Asia Arena. The opening day will also feature South Korean boy band BoyNextDoor and Cebuana singer-songwriter Karencitta.Tickets can be availed at <a href="https://www.philippineswch2025.com/about/tickets">https://www.philippineswch2025.com/about/tickets</a>.

After recovering from an ankle injury, Marck Espejo is catching up with Alas Pilipinas Men ahead of the FIVB Men’s World Championship 2025. #MWCH #MWCH2025 #Philippines2025

After recovering from an ankle injury, Marck Espejo is catching up with Alas Pilipinas Men ahead of the FIVB Men’s World Championship 2025. #MWCH #MWCH2025 #Philippines2025

Marck Espejo regaining form ahead of World Championship, 'catching up' with Alas Men

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Marck Espejo regaining form ahead of World Championship, 'catching up' with Alas Men

Kennedy Caacbay,

ABS-CBN News

Published Aug 19, 2025 05:43 PM PHT

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volleyball

Alas Pilipinas Men

Marck Espejo

FIVB Men’s World Championship 2025

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