Alas Pilipinas exits Worlds with heads high, after thrilling 5-setter loss to Iran 

The lights dimmed at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Thursday night, but not before Alas Pilipinas carved its name into FIVB history.

The Philippine men’s national volleyball team bid farewell to its first-ever World Championship campaign after a five-set classic against world No. 16 Iran, 21-25, 25-21, 17-25, 25-23, 22-20. A crowd of 14,240 witnessed not just a battle of points, but the emergence of a program once seen as an afterthought in the international stage.

For a squad that entered the tournament only by virtue of being host, Alas Pilipinas proved it belonged in the company of the sport’s elite.

 A shock victory over African champion Egypt earlier in the week set the tone, and against powerhouse Iran, the Filipinos came within a touch of rewriting Asian volleyball’s script.

The heartbreak came in the cruelest way — a late net touch on Kim Malabunga’s would-be match-clinching block, turning what could have been a defining upset into one of Philippine sport’s biggest what-ifs. Still, the Nationals left the floor embraced by the standing ovation of their supporters. 

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SALAMAT SA LABAN, ALAS

World no. 16 Iran barges through the Round of 16 after defeating the gritty Alas Pilipinas Men in five grueling sets in the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship!#MWCH2025 #Philippines2025 pic.twitter.com/2sAEnQb84F

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) September 18, 2025

“I am very proud. I am very proud because we improved a lot. We showed that we can play good volleyball. Thank you for all the fans that came here because they support us very much,” said head coach Angiolino Frigoni, visibly emotional after the final whistle.

Bryan Bagunas embodied the grit of the night, exploding for 22 points built on 18 kills, three blocks, and an ace. Rising star Leo Ordiales once again stamped his presence with 21, while Marck Espejo added 15 and Malabunga chipped in 10.

“Sobrang masakit po para sa ‘min kasi nandun na po kami pero masaya pa rin po ako kasi naipakita ng team namin na kaya naming makipag-compete sa ganitong klaseng level ng tournament,” admitted Bagunas, who captained the side through this unprecedented run.

For Iran, the escape secured them second seed in Pool A and the distinction of being the last Asian team standing. They advance to the Round of 16 against either Serbia or Czechia. But for the Philippines, the exit does not read like defeat — rather, the beginning of a legacy.

In just three matches, Alas Pilipinas became the first Philippine squad to win a set, and even a full match, in the 64-year history of the Men’s World Championship. More than numbers, it was the proof of concept: that Filipino men’s volleyball is ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the game’s traditional giants.

It may not have ended in victory, but for a debut campaign born out of opportunity, the run was nothing short of unforgettable — one that will echo in local sporting lore long after the cheers inside MOA Arena fade.

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