Alas Pilipinas is putting its depth to the test as it chases a podium finish in the opening leg of the 2025 Southeast Asian V.League, just over two months before the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.

With marquee players sidelined, the Philippine men’s volleyball team is relying on its younger core, led by UAAP MVP Ken Batas, to steady the ship in this five-day international tournament hosted for the first time by the City of Candon.

“We’re all ready. We’ve been training for months and working on our chemistry—we’re getting there,” said Batas, a standout from Ateneo.

Veteran Marck Espejo is out with an ankle sprain, while outside hitter Louie Ramirez missed the tournament opener against Vietnam to attend his college graduation. Regular setter Owa Retamar was also unavailable due to illness, thrusting Jerico Adajar into the playmaking role.

“Honestly, we don’t dwell on who’s missing,” Batas said. “Marck and Bryan (Bagunas) are legends, but whoever is called up is ready to deliver—on offense and defense. We are more than ready.”

The Philippine squad opened its campaign with a loss to Vietnam on Wednesday, as Thailand defeated Indonesia, 22-25, 25-21, 25-22, 25-20, in the other match of the day. The tournament features a total prize pool of $55,000 (around P3.15 million), with $13,000 going to the champions.