Leo Ordiales ready for expanded role in Alas Men’s SEA Games campaign

Leo Ordiales is no longer the wide-eyed rookie who quietly blended into the rotation during his Southeast Asian Games debut two years ago. As the 22-year-old opposite spiker returns to the regional stage, he does so as one of the most intriguing pieces of an Alas Pilipinas Men squad aiming for a breakthrough in Bangkok.

This time, Ordiales isn’t just filling a role — he’s stepping into one.

Fresh off a coming-of-age campaign at the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, the 6-foot-6 National University product has emerged as the unexpected catalyst behind the program’s surge in confidence entering December. With veterans Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo continuing to anchor the offense, Ordiales’ rise gives Alas Pilipinas a legitimate third scoring threat — something the Philippines hasn’t had in years.

“Siguro naging mas matured sa paglalaro; mas marunong nang mag-handle ng pressure,” Ordiales shared during the team’s send-off organized by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation.

That maturity wasn’t built overnight. From a quiet 2023 SEA Games stint where he saw limited court time, Ordiales spent the next year transforming his role within the squad. He entered the World Championship still fighting for consistent minutes, but left it as one of the tournament’s most compelling revelations. 

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Opposite spiker Leo Ordiales shares that he’s already mentally preparing himself for the tough moments the Alas Pilipinas Men will face heading into the volleyball tournament of SEA Games 2025 Thailand, emphasizing the lessons he learned during their stint at the FIVB Worlds. pic.twitter.com/Or0wjcHSuH

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) December 6, 2025

After a rocky debut match, Ordiales erupted for 21 points in the Philippines’ stunning upset of Egypt — a performance that turned heads across Asia. He followed it up with another 21-point explosion in a dramatic five-set duel with Iran, nearly dragging Alas Pilipinas to a historic Round of 16 berth.

Those performances weren’t just isolated highlights — they were proof of growth.

His improvement had already been evident in the lead-up to the World Championship, where he earned the Best Opposite Spiker award in the Southeast Asian V.League. But the global stage gave him something more: belief.

Now, as the SEA Games approach, Ordiales is learning that his next step isn’t just physical — it’s mental. His expanded role demands consistency, emotional control, and the ability to reset when things go wrong.

“Siguro pine-prepare ko na ‘yung sarili ko para sa mga tough games, tapos mga crucial games — kung paano ‘yung mindset na kailangan kong gawin,” he said. “Kunwari pangit ‘yung start ng game, kung paano ako mag-a-adjust, paano ko ibabalik agad ‘yung laro ko. ‘Yun ‘yung mga ini-improve ko.”

His approach is simple, but profound.

“Siguro sa’kin, kinakalma ko lang. Parang ‘di ko muna pine-pressure ‘yung sarili ko — bini-build ko muna kung paano ko iha-handle ‘yung ganung pressure.”

Ordiales and Alas Pilipinas are set to navigate Pool B, opening against Myanmar on December 13 before clashing with defending champion Indonesia on December 16 — a matchup where his growth may be tested more than ever.

Ordiales may not yet be the face of the program, but he’s quickly becoming its future. And as the SEA Games loom, one thing is clear:

The Philippines is no longer looking at him as a promising newcomer.
They’re counting on him as a game-changer.

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