Alas Men confident ahead of historic FIVB World Championship debut

Fresh off a three-country training camp in Europe, Alas Pilipinas setter Owa Retamar believes the Nationals are ready to prove themselves in the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship.

The team trained in Morocco, Romania, and Portugal, where they tested their skills against taller and more experienced European squads.

“At first, I was a bit nervous because everyone here is so tall. We felt like high schoolers compared to them,” said the 25-year-old Retamar. “But we’re happy because we realized that even if we’re smaller, we can still keep up with them.”

As the camp went on, the Nationals found their rhythm and grew more confident. “They have a height advantage, but we can match their skills,” Retamar added. “Our training camp has been exhausting, but it was so worth it. It helped us a lot.”

Retamar knows what it’s like to face long odds. At just 19, he was the youngest member of the squad during the 2019 SEA Games, where he became a revelation as the Philippines secured a historic silver. Now, heading into the country’s first-ever World Championship appearance, he returns as a steady leader.

Guiding young setters Eco Adajar and Elijah Tae-yin Kim, Retamar highlighted their chemistry: “The three of us really support each other, especially during games. We always talk about strategies to score quickly, so we’ve become a great trio on the court.”

Marck Espejo in full focus. Leading the fight, carrying the pride of with every play.

The stage is set for the World Championship 2025!

Watch LIVE on the Pilipinas Live
Or be there at the MOA Arena — tickets at https://t.co/Ty6D7kO6bH#AlasPilipinas #WCH2025 pic.twitter.com/SmSnaikrJa

— Alas Men’s Volleyball Team (@PHNMVT) August 26, 2025

Even so, he admits leadership is still a work in progress. “Even now, I still struggle to act like a senior on the team. That’s why Kuya Bryan (Bagunas) and Kuya Marck (Espejo) always remind me that I need to step up and be a leader.”

Under the mentorship of Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni, a world champion tactician, the NU product and UAAP Finals MVP continues to evolve. “I’m improving in a lot of ways, even my attitude when it comes to volleyball. 

Even if I can’t always show it or do what’s expected of me right away, I’m really trying, for myself and for my team,” he said.

Retamar is part of the 21-man pool vying for spots in the Final 14 roster. The Philippines opens its Pool A campaign on September 12 against Tunisia at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, followed by matches against world No. 23 Egypt (September 16) and No. 13 Iran (September 18).

The 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship runs from September 12 to 28 at the MOA Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.