A thousand miles from home, the men of Alas Pilipinas are learning what it takes to become a world-class team.

In Romania, the national men’s volleyball team trains twice a day under the sharp eyes of world champion coach Angiolino Frigoni. They eat together, sweat together and push each other—everything aimed at one goal: to peak in time for the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship debut at home on August 12 against Tunisia at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“We eat together, train hard together, and push each other,” said Bryan Bagunas, the 6-foot-5 outside spiker who’s nearing full recovery from injury. “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.”

Bagunas is no stranger to the grind. A former MVP in both the UAAP and Spikers’ Turf, he’s also a champion and MVP in Taiwan’s Top Volleyball League and is headed to Japan’s Osaka Bluteon in the SV.League. Yet in camp, he’s just one of 21 athletes vying for 14 final roster spots.

‘Great balance’

The camp in Romania—world No. 22—is the second stop of Alas’s three-country preparation tour. They opened in Morocco (No. 81, just four rungs below the Philippines at No. 77) and will cap off in Portugal, ranked 28th and also competing in the world championship.

“Training here is intense,” Bagunas said. “In the morning, we do technical drills. In the afternoon, it’s strength, conditioning, and game systems.”

Alongside Bagunas are fellow 2019 Southeast Asian Games silver medalists Marck Espejo, Kim Malabunga, Owa Retamar and Jack Kalingking, as well as Steven Rotter, Lloyd Josafat, JP Bugaoan, Louie Ramirez and Vince Lorenzo. Youthful talents like Leo Ordiales, Buds Buddin and Josh Ybañez are also in the mix, joined by Filipino-foreigners Kim Elijah Tae-yin and Lucca Mamone.

“We have a great balance of veterans who bring experience and leadership, and younger players who bring energy and fresh perspectives,” Bagunas said.

With 27 days left until the first whistle, cohesion and chemistry are top priorities. And while competition within the pool is fierce, the camaraderie is stronger.

Philippine National Volleyball Federation and AVC official Ramon “Tats” Suzara praised the squad’s work ethic. “Our Alas Men’s team is in Portugal and Romania. They’re working so hard to improve our level, and I hope we can really play better for the World Championships,” he said.

For now, the grind continues—training by day, dreaming by night, with the hope that when the spotlight hits Manila, Alas Pilipinas will be ready.