August 20, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Nagmula sa injury, handa si Alas Pilipinas Men team captain Marck Espejo na sumalang sa 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship sa susunod na buwan.
Nakarekober na si Espejo, kagaya ni Bryan Bagunas, sa isang ankle injury at kasama sa three-country European training camp ng Nationals.
Ang final leg ay sa Portugal.
“I’m taking it day by day, training by training, as I work to catch up with the team after coming back from injury,” ani Espejo mula sa kanilang training camp sa Santo Tirso, Portugal.
Kasama ang 28-anyos na si Espejo at ang 27-anyos na si Bagunas sa training camp ng koponan na nagsimula sa Morocco kasunod sa Romania at magtatapos sa Portugal.
Wagi ang Alas Pilipinas, ang World No. 77, sa dalawa sa tatlo nilang tune-up matches laban sa national team ng World No. 81 Morocco at sa Romanian national squad.
“It’s well-balanced team for long-term growth,” ani Espejo. “We have experienced veterans and kuyas who provide leadership, and younger players with fresh legs and a lot of energy.”
Nakatakda ang world meet sa Setyembre 12 hanggang 28 sa Smart Araneta Coliseum at SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Mabigat na laban ang haharapin ng mga Pinoy spikers sa nasabing 32-nation FIVB world championship na lalahukan ng mga world champions at Olympic gold medalists.
“I will take this challenge seriously and give my very best,” ani Espejo. “But I’m excited, right now we’re focused to bring out the team’s full potential. We’re enjoying the camp, playing against top teams, and learning a lot.”
Gigiyahan ni Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni, unang makakatapat ng Alas Men ang Tunisia sa Setyembre 12 sa SM MOA Arena.
Sunod nilang lalabanan ang No. 23 Egypt sa Setyembre 16 at ang No. 13 Iran sa Setyembre 18 sa Pool A action.
“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,” wika ni Espejo. “I’ll make the most out of it because this is a once in a lifetime experience.”