Alas Pilipinas Men stay grounded, ready to battle Iran with fearless mindset

For Alas Pilipinas Men, the 2025 FIVB Volleyball World Championship has already been historic — and they’re determined to keep enjoying every moment of it.

Ranked among the lowest in the 32-team field, the Philippines shocked the volleyball world by stunning World No. 18 Egypt on Tuesday in four sets, 29-27, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21. 

The victory not only put them on the map but also gave them a fighting chance to advance to the Round of 16.

Still, star spiker Marck Espejo insists the team is sticking to the same attitude that carried them to that breakthrough win.

“Same lang po sa ginawa namin dito ngayon [against Egypt], ie-enjoy lang po namin ‘yung game. Nothing to lose po. Siyempre, medyo pressure din po kasi nanalo po kami ng one game, so may chance pa po kami makapasok sa Round of 16,” Espejo shared.

That first taste of victory at the world championship, he admitted, has lit a spark.

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ONE MORE PUSH PARA SA PILIPINAS.

Philippines vs Iran | 5:30PM

Tara na! let’s fill MOA Arena and give our team the loudest home court support!

https://t.co/CaFtklEYtW#MWCH2025 #AlasPilipinas #FIVBWCH2025 pic.twitter.com/iAqtjNvrzu

— Alas Men’s Volleyball Team (@PHNMVT) September 17, 2025

“Boost po talaga ng confidence ‘yung pagkapanalo na ‘to,” added the former Ateneo standout.

Espejo, who once considered retiring from the national team, has found fresh purpose in this unexpected run. A key member of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games silver-medal squad, he is savoring this new chapter in his career.

“Hindi rin po talaga namin inisip na manalo ng game. Kumbaga, sabi nga ni coach [Angiolino Frigoni], nothing to lose po talaga kami sa World Championship. Blessing na rin po na nothing to lose pero kami po, nakakapag-perform,” he explained.

Now, as they prepare to clash with powerhouse Iran — ranked 16th in the world — Espejo sees every opportunity as a reward in itself.

“Winning a game po dito sa World Championship, parang isa na po talagang big, big, big achievement para sa Philippines po.”

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