Bryan Bagunas joins Alas Men just in time for SEA Games campaign 

For the first time since the buildup began, Alas Pilipinas Men finally have their full arsenal, and it comes at the perfect moment. Team captain Bryan Bagunas has officially rejoined the squad, giving the Philippines a major boost just five days before its debut in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok.

Bagunas, fresh from his stint with Osaka Bluteon in Japan’s V.League, touched down in the Philippines yesterday and wasted no time reconnecting with the national team. 

He immediately linked up with the delegation for their departure to Thailand early this morning, a welcome sight after weeks of preparing without their star outside hitter.

His absence was felt throughout the team’s early preparations, including a two-week training camp in Taiwan — a crucial stretch he missed while wrapping up club commitments. Now, at 28 years old and in peak form, Bagunas returns to anchor a lineup eager to prove itself on the regional stage.

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ONE DAY TO GO BEFORE THE 2025 SEA GAMES OPENING CEREMONY IN THAILAND!

BRYAN BAGUNAS AND ALEX EALA WILL LEAD THE DELEGATION AS OUR FLAG BEARERS! pic.twitter.com/o45LPyw9m8

— Torey Canino (@tj_canino) December 8, 2025

With their captain back on deck, Alas Pilipinas can now fully shift their attention to the challenge ahead: navigating a tough Pool B where every set, rally, and result carries weight.

The Nationals kick off their campaign on December 13 against Myanmar, a matchup that could dictate their momentum early. Three days later, they face defending champion Indonesia, a team that has dominated Southeast Asian men’s volleyball in recent years. 

To reach the semifinals, the Philippines needs at least one victory from these two group-stage battles.

Tomorrow marks an important turning point — the team’s first practice with a complete roster. After weeks of adjusting, experimenting, and filling gaps in training, Alas Pilipinas can finally work as one cohesive unit. With Bagunas back strengthening the wing attack and stabilizing serve receive, the squad enters the final stretch of preparations with renewed confidence and a clearer identity.

The timing couldn’t be better. The opposition is strong, the stakes are high, and the window to make a statement on the SEA Games stage is wide open. Now, with their leader back, Alas Pilipinas Men are finally ready to chase it.

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