John Franklin Kennedy Caacbay

Alas Pilipinas Men captain Bryan Bagunas in action. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

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Bryan

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:959px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1758202376762bryan thumb.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Alas Pilipinas Men captain Bryan Bagunas in action. <em>Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News </em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — An emotional team captain Bryan Bagunas faced reporters following Alas Pilipinas&#x27; heartbreaking loss at the hands of Iran, 25-21, 21-25, 25-17, 23-25, 20-22, in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men&#x27;s World Championship on Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.</p><p>Bagunas, holding his tears back, took time to reflect on what could have been another milestone for Philippine volleyball.</p><p>A win could have propelled the Philippines to Round of 16, but they fell short against the World No. 16 squad.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/volleyball/2025/9/18/fivb-worlds-heartbreaker-as-gallant-alas-pilipinas-fall-to-higher-ranked-iran-1954"><strong>READ: FIVB Worlds: Heartbreaker as gallant Alas Pilipinas Men fall to higher-ranked Iran<br/></strong></a></div><p>&quot;Siyempre, sobrang masakit po para sa &#x27;min kasi nandun na po kami,&quot; said Bagunas, who tallied 22 points on 18 attacks, three blocks, and one ace, leading the team in scoring.</p><p>Still, it was an unprecedented run for Alas Men—defying the odds and braving stronger teams Egypt and Iran in Pool A.</p><p>&quot;Pero masaya pa din po &#x27;ko, kasi naipakita ng team namin na kaya naming makipag-compete sa ganitong klaseng level ng tournament,&quot; he added.</p><p>The Nationals reached match point six times, but a momentum-killing net fault call on Alas proved crucial as Iranians walked away with the win.</p><p>&quot;For me, nung nag-start naman ang tournament, hindi naman namin na-expect na umabot namin sa ganitong pagkakataon. Ayun nga, siyempre naging masaya kami na umabot namin sa ganitong klaseng sitwasyon na pwede kami makapasa sa round 16,&quot; Bagunas said.</p><p>&quot;Hindi naman namin in-expect, pero ayun nga, binigyan kami ng chance and ginrab naman namin,&quot; the ex-National U standout added. &quot;Pero &#x27;di kami pinalad.&quot;</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div><script data-wid="auto" type="text/javascript" src="https://content.viralize.tv/display/?zid=AAFz8gWM8iRADsJr&amp;cid=ABhYzRkri3dWeJ1w"></script></div>

<p>Still, Alas Pilipinas Men proved they can go toe-to-toe against the best teams in the world. 💪🏽 #MWCH2025 </p>

Still, Alas Pilipinas Men proved they can go toe-to-toe against the best teams in the world. 💪🏽 #MWCH2025

Bagunas on Alas heartbreak: 'Sobrang masakit, kasi nando'n na po kami'

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Bagunas on Alas heartbreak: 'Sobrang masakit, kasi nando'n na po kami'

Kennedy Caacbay,

ABS-CBN News

Published Sep 18, 2025 07:49 PM PHT

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Updated Sep 19, 2025 01:08 AM PHT

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2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship

Alas Pilipinas Men

Iran

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