Bagunas: Historic win a new beginning for Alas Pilipinas

For team captain Bryan Bagunas, the breakthrough triumph over Egypt was more than just a number in the standings — it was proof that the Philippines, ranked 88th in the world, has every right to stand alongside the volleyball elite.

“For me, ayun nga, ito na siguro yung simula na para makita namin na hindi lang kami hanggang SEA Games, hindi lang kami hanggang Asian Games, may ibubuga rin kami sa World Championship kagaya nga nito,” Bagunas said after Tuesday night’s unforgettable victory at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The Nationals shook the volleyball world by defeating African powerhouse and reigning continental champion Egypt, 29-27, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21, with more than 12,000 fans fueling their every point.

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BAGUNAS – ESPEJO DUO 4 LYFFFF

Best Attacker / Scorer
#2 – Bagunas

Best Receiver
#2 – Espejo

Best Servers
#8 – Bagunas
#8 – Espejo

Tangke ni Bryan Opensa Tangke ni Marck depensa

OUR PERFECT PHMVT DUO! #MWCH2025 #AlasPilipinas pic.twitter.com/oUDcCdvIka

— Alas Men’s Volleyball Team (@PHNMVT) September 16, 2025

Bagunas carried the scoring load with 25 points built on 23 kills and two blocks, but this time he wasn’t alone. Rising outside hitter Leo Ordiales emerged as a difference-maker, exploding for 21 points — 10 of them in the fourth set — after being limited to just two against Tunisia. Marck Espejo also had his shining moment, delivering a crucial block on Abdelrahman Elhossiny to slam the door shut on Egypt.

“Siguro, nakita lang namin na yung mga natutunan namin sa coaching staff namin malaking bagay yun na nai-apply namin sa laro na ‘to,” Bagunas explained, pointing to the system instilled by coach Angiolino Frigoni as the foundation of their performance.

But for the 6-foot-5 spiker, the journey is far from over. With a winner-take-all duel against World No.14 Iran looming on Thursday, Bagunas believes that the Philippines’ underdog status may just be its greatest weapon.

“Sa tingin ko, malayo, malayo sobra (ang puwedeng marating) kasi tingin ko sobrang underdog ng Pilipinas pero sa tiyaga at sa suporta ng Filipinos, nandoon tayo. Parang kaya nating ibigay yung best natin, kaya natin makipag-compete sa mga high level,” he said.

For Bagunas, this historic win isn’t the peak — it’s the starting point of a new era for Philippine men’s volleyball.

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