Marck Espejo and Alas Pilipinas are in Portugal wrapping up a three-country training camp.–CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Training with the young and promising Alas Pilipinas pool members inspires Marck Espejo to work harder as he hopes to Earn a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play for the country in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship starting on September 12 at Mall of Asia Arena.
After recovering from an ankle injury that sidelined him during the SEA VLeague, the five-time UAAP MVP out of Ateneo has remained patient as he works to catch up with the team’s conditioning.
READ: As big mission looms, Alas Pilipinas steps up preparations
In their ongoing European training camp, Espejo has been impressed by the work ethic and potential of the young players in the Alas training pool—offering a promising glimpse into the future of Philippine volleyball.
“As for the team’s composition, I think it’s well-balanced for long-term growth. We have experienced veterans and kuyas who provide leadership, and younger players with fresh legs and a lot of energy,” said Espejo.
“I will take this challenge seriously and give my very best. But before that, I know I still need to catch up with the team’s conditioning. I’ve got a long way to go.”
Alas is currently in Santo, Tirso, Portugal to wrap up its three-country training camp. The Filipino Spikers, now ranked No. 77 in the world, won two of three tune-up matches against the national team of world No. 81 Morocco and yielded—but not without gaining a set—to the Romanian national squad.
“I’m excited, but right now we’re focused on training to bring out the team’s full potential. We’re enjoying the camp, playing against top teams, and learning a lot,” said Espejo.
READ: Marck Especjo powers Alas Pilipinas in five-set thriller vs Thailand
The 28-year-old outside spiker, the author of the most scored points by a Filipino player in a single match when he dropped 55 points built on 47 kills, six blocks, and two aces in Ateneo’s UAAP Season 80 Final Four match win over FEU on April 21, 2018, already played in different countries.
He was the trailblazer of Filipino imports in Japan when he signed with Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler in 2018, played for Thailand for Visakha in 2020 after earning a silver medal in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games Manila, saw action in Bahrain for Bani Jamra in 2021 before returning to Japan in FC Tokyo, and won a championship in the Korean V-League with the Incheon Korean Air Jumbos in the 2023-24 season.
His latest overseas stint was with the Kubota Spears Osaka in the Japan V.League before returning to his mother club, Criss Cross, early this year, for a runner-up finish in the Spikers’ Turf.
With all those accolades and international stints, Espejo vows to give his all to be part of the final 14 of Alas Pilipinas, which takes on Tunisia on opening day.
READ: Alas Pilipinas strengthens bond amid ‘intense’ Euro camp
The Philippines also battles No. 23 Egypt on September 16 and No. 13 Iran on September 18 in Pool A action.
“It’s a huge honor and opportunity to be part of the World Championship. Of course, playing for your country feels different from playing for your club. I’ll make the most out of it because this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Espejo.
“This is a huge opportunity, not just for me, but for the growth of men’s volleyball in the Philippines. Being part of the World Championship means getting to experience and compete at the highest level possible. Playing against the best of the best is truly an honor, and I won’t take this opportunity for granted.”
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Tickets to the world championships—set September 12 to 28 both at the SM Mall of Asia Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum—are available online via the official website at www.philippineswch2025.com.
