Alas Pilipinas Men finalize 14-man roster for historic FIVB World Championship debut

Alas Pilipinas Men have confirmed their official 14-player roster for the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship, marking the Philippines’ long-awaited entry into volleyball’s grandest stage. This will be the country’s first-ever appearance in the tournament’s 76-year history—a milestone that underscores how far the national program has come and adds extra weight to their campaign at home.

The Nationals are set to make their World Championship debut against world No. 43 Tunisia on Friday, September 12 at 7 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena.

 After a four-day pause, they will return to battle perennial African champion Egypt on September 16, before wrapping up Pool A action against regional powerhouse Iran on September 18.

 Every match will serve as both a test and an opportunity for the Filipinos to prove they belong on volleyball’s biggest stage.

Leading the charge for the Philippines are seasoned veterans Owa Retamar, Kim Malabunga, and Jack Kalingking, all integral members of the silver-winning squad from the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. 

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FINAL LINEUP IS HERE

Here are your final Players in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025!

Led by our Captain Bryan Bagunas, ALAS Pilipinas is ready to battle in the FIVB Men’s World Championship 2025 on home soil! #MWCH #AlasPilipinas pic.twitter.com/MyD0QjMSwg

— Alas Men’s Volleyball Team (@PHNMVT) September 10, 2025

They are joined by the championship core of National University, a program that has been the country’s collegiate standard-bearer in recent years, represented by Leo Ordiales, Buds Buddin, Peng Taguibolos, and Jade Disquitado.

The roster also boasts the firepower of former collegiate MVPs Josh Ybañez (UAAP) and Louie Ramirez (NCAA), who will be making their first appearances on the world stage. Team captain Bryan Bagunas and star outside hitter Marck Espejo, two of the most accomplished Filipino players internationally, will anchor the offense and provide leadership in their much-anticipated homecoming.

 Completing the 14-man squad are Vince Lorenzo, Lloyd Josafat, and Eco Adajar, giving the lineup a strong blend of experience, athleticism, and youthful energy.

Notably absent from the final list are several standout names from the 21-player pool submitted in August. UAAP Season 87 MVP Kennedy Batas, Spikers’ Turf Finals MVP Steven Rotter, and veteran middle blocker JP Bugaoan were among the most surprising cuts.

 Fil-foreign hopefuls Luca Mamone of Italy and setter Elijah Tae-Yin Kim also did not make the final lineup, underscoring the tough decisions faced by head coach Frigoni in trimming down the roster.

With the Philippines now preparing to test itself against the world’s best, Frigoni’s squad enters the competition with a mix of youthful stars, seasoned veterans, and proven winners. For a nation still writing its story on the global volleyball stage, this historic debut offers both a chance to compete and an opportunity to inspire a new generation of Filipino volleyball fans.

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