Marck Espejo returns to Alas Pilipinas Men in time for FIVB World Championship

After battling through an ankle injury, Marck Espejo has rejoined Alas Pilipinas Men as the squad sharpens its preparations for the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship on home soil.

The 28-year-old outside hitter, a former UAAP MVP for Ateneo and a seasoned import in the Japan V. League, hurt his ankle last June during the AVC Men’s Volleyball Nations Cup in Bahrain.

Now back in training, Espejo admits he is still regaining form but is determined to be ready when the 32-nation global tournament begins.

“I’m taking it day by day, training by training, as I work to catch up with the team after coming back from injury,” Espejo said from Santo Tirso, Portugal, where Alas is wrapping up its final European training camp.

His longtime teammate Bryan Bagunas, who also recently recovered from a knee injury, is likewise working his way back to peak form.

“Training here is intense in the morning and in the afternoon session, we focus on strength, conditioning and game systems,” Bagunas shared. “Coach Angiolino [Frigoni] has been pushing us to be disciplined and smart on the court, and I think that’s making a big difference in our preparation.”

Both stars were sidelined at different stretches of regional competitions over the past year, but their return adds much-needed firepower to a Philippine side ranked No. 77 in the world, the lowest among all 32 competing nations.

Alas Men are finishing their European buildup after a series of friendlies and training stops in Morocco and Romania, before heading back to Manila for the group stage.

 The Philippines will face a daunting Pool A schedule against Tunisia (September 12), Egypt (September 16), and Iran (September 18) in hopes of making a breakthrough into the playoffs.

Despite the odds, Espejo is confident in what a balanced mix of veterans and young talent can achieve. “It’s a well-balanced team for long-term growth,” he said.

 “We have experienced veterans and kuyas who provide leadership, and younger players with fresh legs and a lot of energy. I will take this challenge seriously and give my very best. I’m excited, right now we’re focused on bringing out the team’s full potential. We’re enjoying the camp, playing against top teams, and learning a lot.”

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