MANILA, Philippines — Josh Ybañez was thrilled to team up and welcome fellow UAAP MVP Ken Batas in Alas Pilipinas’ three-day Invitationals as part of their buildup for the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship in September.

From trading powerful spikes in the UAAP, the league’s last two MVPs finally shared the court on Tuesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum, with Ateneo star Batas making his national team debut and delivering key hits in the fourth set to seal a 25-23, 27-29, 25-21, 25-22 win over Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi.

READ: Fresh faces to make Alas Pilipinas debut in 3-day Invitational

UST’s two-time MVP Ybañez returned to his role as libero for Alas, anchoring the team’s floor defense en route to victory in their opening match of the four-team friendlies.

The national team’s main floor defender was happy to play alongside Batas, as both athletes proudly represent and empower the LGBTQIA+ community.

“Masaya ako kasi nga may kasama nga ako sa national team [in Ken] kasi ako yung nauna,” said Ybañez. “Iniisip lang namin na yes, ganito kami, pero barako kami, lalaban kami.”

READ: Alas Pilipinas’ Ken Batas shows readiness with clutch performance

Batas, who called his first Alas game “as sweet as chocolate,” was grateful for the support of Ybañez and the rest of the squad, which allowed him to settle in and contribute three crucial points in the fourth set.

More than sharing the court with Batas, Ybañez embraced the chance to once again wear the national colors and take on a different role from what he plays in the UAAP.

“I’m happy to represent the Philippines again as a libero, and I’m also happy with my position, even though I’m still learning. I’m just really grateful to be back here with Alas,” he said.