Alas Pilipinas shoots for gold and glory at 2025 SEA V.League in Candon City

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Alas Pilipinas gets another shot at electrifying a home crowd, this time with world ranking points and cash prizes on the line in the Southeast Asian Men’s V.League set for July 9 to 13 in Candon City, Ilocos Sur. Following their impressive showing in the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals, the national men’s volleyball team is set to play on home soil once more, this time at the Candon City Arena.

The competition marks a crucial opportunity for Alas Pilipinas, who finished with two bronze medals in the 2024 SEA V.League, to climb higher on the podium. With a total prize pool of $55,000 (₱3.15 million), the team has its eyes on the top prize as it prepares to face tougher regional rivals.

The Candon City Arena is ready to welcome Southeast Asia’s top volleyball nations. [Alas Pilipinas Volley Facebook]

Expanded Field Adds Stakes to Candon Leg

This year’s edition introduces a more competitive field with the addition of Cambodia to the top tier. Joining perennial powers Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, Cambodia earned promotion after topping the 2024 SEA V.League Challenge. Ramon “Tats” Suzara, President of both the Philippine National Volleyball Federation and Asian Volleyball Confederation, confirmed Cambodia’s elevation.

Alas Pilipinas will come into the tournament battle-tested, fresh from participating in the AVC Men’s Nations Cup in Bahrain. The experience is expected to sharpen the squad ahead of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, which the Philippines will host in September.

Cash Prizes and Rivalries Fuel Motivation

At stake are $13,000 (₱743,000) for the champions and $12,000 (₱686,000) for the runners-up, with the rest of the teams splitting the remaining $30,000. The bronze medalists will take home $11,000, fourth placers $10,000, and fifth placers $9,000. Host city Candon, led by Mayor Eric Singson, will host the matches with support from sponsors mWell, Cignal, PLDT, Rebisco, Akari, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Mikasa, and Asics.

Key figures Marck Espejo, Steve Rotter, and Owa Retamar are expected to lead the charge once more. Their win against Thailand in the previous leg was a highlight, though Thailand got revenge in Bahrain with a straight-sets win. That sets up a high-stakes grudge match in Candon that fans won’t want to miss.