MANILA, Philippines — Bryan Bagunas has rejoined the Alas Pilipinas men’s national team for its New York tour as part of its buildup for the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship hosted by the Philippines in September.

Bagunas, who injured his knee during last year’s SEA V.League first leg in Manila, is back in action with coach Angiolino Frigoni’s squad, which also includes Marck Espejo, Steven Rotter, Owa Retamar, Jau Umandal, Kim Malabunga, JP Bugaoan, Louie Ramirez, Lloyd Josafat, Wendel Miguel, EJ Casaña, Vince Lorenzo, Gian Glorioso, and JM Paglaon.

READ: Bryan Bagunas not rushing recovery from knee injury

The team retained its core from the AVC Champions League and Japan training camp, supported by assistant coaches Dexter Clamor (Cignal) and Odjie Mamon (University of Santo Tomas).

While in the US, the team will celebrate Philippine Independence Day and play an exhibition match against the Fil-Nation select team, which features prospects vying for a spot in Alas Pilipinas.

Steven Rotter receiving his award during the PVL Press Corps Awards Night. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Rotter, a Fil-Nation product, is thrilled to return to the US and represent the Philippines.

“I’m looking forward to going home. I’m also looking forward to celebrating Philippine Independence Day over there. So, it’s gonna be nice representing the Philippines in the US,” said Rotter, who was named Spikers’ Turf Best Opposite Hitter of the Season at the Pilipinas Live PVL Press Corps Awards Night on Wednesday at Novotel.

Aside from the US tour, Alas will host a three-day invitational tournament from June 10 to 12 at Smart Araneta Coliseum before heading to Bahrain for the AVC Challenge Cup.

“We’re heading in the right direction. We’re finally getting everyone from NU and other local schools. Now we have a full training pool, and we’re competing for roster spots to hopefully represent the country in the World Championship,” said Rotter.

Rotter, along with Cignal teammate and Best Libero Lorenzo, drew added motivation from the PVL’s first-ever awards night, which also honored Best Middle Blockers Gian Glorioso and Giles Torres, Best Setter Ish Polvorosa, Season MVP Jude Garcia, and Best Outside Spikers Garcia and Shawie Caritativo.

“It’s a great honor to be among these great athletes. It feels great to be recognized for your hard work—it’s a confidence boost,” said Rotter. “Now I’m going into the national team season with a little extra belief in myself.”

Lorenzo echoed the sentiment as they continue to prepare for their World Championship debut.

“This is a huge help for men’s volleyball because it brings recognition not just to the PVL, but also to Spikers’ Turf,” said Lorenzo. “So far, all the overseas games, training camps, and tournaments have really helped us improve our chemistry and build the strategies we need for the upcoming World Championship.”