FILE–Bryan Bagunas, center, during an Alas Pilipinas event.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Bryan Bagunas relished the camaraderie amid the highly competitive atmosphere in Alas Pilipinas’ European training camp ahead of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.
Bagunas, returning from a knee injury, has been making the most of their three-country build-up under the tutelage of world champion Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni.
READ: Alas Pilipinas grind in Europe ahead of volleyball worlds
“Training here is intense in the morning and in the afternoon session, we focus on strength, conditioning, and game systems,” said Bagunas, who is in Romania headlining the 21-man pool.
“Coach Angiolino has been pushing us to be disciplined and smart on the court, and I think that’s making a big difference in our preparation,” he added.
Bagunas has emerged as one of the country’s top volleyball stars with accolades in the local and international scene. A Top Volleyball League champion and MVP in Taiwan, he recently earned a spot in Japan’s Osaka Bluteon in the next SV.League season. Bagunas, a former National University ace, has also earned MVP honors in the UAAP and the Spikers’ Turf.
The 6-foot-5 outside hitter said the rigorous preparation also motivates the players, who still find time to enjoy despite competing for their place in the final 14 for the worlds.
“We eat together, train hard together, and push each other,” said Bagunas.
Bagunas, one of the ambassadors of the world championship, is with his fellow 2019 Southeast Asian Games silver medalist teammates Marck Espejo, Kim Malabunga, Owa Retamar, and Jack Kalingking, as well as other mainstays Steven Rotter, Lloyd Josafat, JP Bugaoan, Louie Ramirez, and Vince Lorenzo.
READ: Alas Pilipinas looks to regroup fast after missing out on podium
The veterans are also learning while leading young guns Leo Ordiales, Buds Buddin, Peng Taguibolos, Josh Ybañez, Kennedy Batas, Jade Disquitado, Eco Adajar, John Michael Paglaon and Ike Andrew Barilea as well as Filipino-Foreigners Elijah Tae-Yin Kim and Lucca Mamone.
“We have a great balance of veterans who bring experience and leadership, and younger players who bring energy and fresh perspectives,” he said.
Prior to Romania, Alas Pilipinas was in Morocco and will be traveling to Portugal to wrap up its European training camp. World No. 22 Romania and No. 28 Portugal are playing in the worlds, while Morocco is an active volleyball country ranked No. 81, four rungs below the No. 77 Philippines.
Bagunas looks forward to the Philippines’ World Championship debut against Tunisia on September 12 at Mall of Asia Arena, followed by the opening ceremony headlined by K-pop group BOYNEXTDOOR and Cebuana singer, songwriter and actress Karencitta, who’ll be singing the theme song of the tournament.
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The stars of Alas are hoping to see a packed home crowd with the tickets to the world championship —set September 12 to 28 at Mall of Asia Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum—available online via the official website at www.philippineswch2025.com.
