Alas skipper Bryan Bagunas: bittersweet loss, lasting pride for Alas Pilipinas’ World Championship debut

When the lights burned brightest inside the Mall of Asia Arena, Bryan Bagunas stood tall. The Alas Pilipinas captain delivered in the clutch, carrying his squad point-for-point against Asian giant Iran in their dramatic Round of 16 chase at the 2025 Volleyball Men’s World Championship.

His attacks in the fifth set had the 14,000-strong crowd believing in history. And when Kim Malabunga soared for what looked like a match-clinching block, the Filipinos were seconds away from the unthinkable.

 But a late net fault challenge overturned the point, and the momentum slipped away. Iran, seasoned and steely, clawed back to win 21-25, 25-21, 17-25, 25-23, 22-20.

For Bagunas, it was heartbreak with a silver lining.

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.

“THE MEN’S VOLLEYBALL HERE IN THE COUNTRY HAS A FUTURE”

Despite their tough loss to World No. 16 Iran, Bryan Bagunas believes #AlasPilipinas‘ momentous campaign in the #MWCH2025 sparks a bright future for men’s volleyball in the country.#AlasPilipinas #Philippines2025 pic.twitter.com/QBVmMl8IQE

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) September 18, 2025

“Mas masakit po talaga sa’min kasi ando’n na po kami,” the captain admitted. “Pero masaya pa rin po ako kasi naipakita po ng team namin na kaya naming makipag-compete.”

The outside hitter’s words captured the emotions of a squad that entered the tournament as underdogs ranked 77th in the world yet left with the respect of a volleyball nation.

More than the result, Bagunas was quick to highlight the support system that fueled their spirited campaign — from the fans who filled the stands to the coaches who built the team’s chemistry.

“Andito po kasi tayo sa Pilipinas, so, na-feel po namin talaga ‘yung support ng mga Filipino volleyball fans. I think, naging malaking tulong po ‘yun para ma-boost po ‘yung morale namin. Thankful din po kami sa mga coaches kasi kaya rin po siguro naging maganda ‘yung resulta ng tournament,” he said.

For Bagunas, the sting of falling just short of the Round of 16 was balanced by the pride of proving that the Philippines could stand toe-to-toe with the world’s best.

The result may not have gone their way, but for the captain and his squad, the journey itself was already a victory — one that forever changed the story of Philippine men’s volleyball on the world stage.

Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

  Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!