Alas Pilipinas looks to grab its second victory in three matches when it battles Cambodia on Saturday, July 12, in the 5th Southeast Asian Volleyball League at the Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur.

The national squad is expected to finally field a complete lineup, with playmaker Owa Retamar confirming he’s back in action after missing the first two games due to illness. Retamar’s return comes just in time as the Philippines tries to bounce back from a tough loss against Thailand.

Retamar, Ramirez return for pivotal clash

“I’m good to go,” said Retamar, who was a late scratch in the Vietnam opener and sat out the Thailand match despite attending practice.

“The coaches just wanted to be on the safe side,” he explained.

Alas Pilipinas started strong in the tournament with a straight-sets win over Vietnam, 25-17, 25-23, 25-19, before falling in a tight battle against Thailand, 16-25, 22-25, 24-26. In Retamar’s absence, Echo Adajar stepped up to orchestrate the offense.

Meanwhile, Louie Ramirez, who missed the first match due to his graduation at the University of Perpetual Help, is also back in uniform.

Retamar acknowledged that the team’s narrow loss to Thailand came down to execution during crucial moments.

“Parehas lang naman nakaka-score at nagkakamali. Sa crucial lang talaga nagkakatalo,” he said.

Cambodia match holds major medal implications

Saturday’s matchup against Cambodia, which dropped its opener to Vietnam, is a must-win for the Philippines if it hopes to return to the podium. Alas Pilipinas bagged two bronze medals last season and is eyeing a better finish this time around.

The SEA V.League is also part of the squad’s preparation for the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship Philippines 2025, with tickets now available via philippineswch2025.com.

Middle blocker Buds Buddin emphasized the importance of decision-making in pressure situations.

“Adjustment-wise, nakakabawi kami pero hindi namin na-e-execute ng maayos,” said Buddin. “Challenge ito sa amin. Binigyan kami ng time para magising—dapat every time ikaw ang nandiyan, i-grab mo na.”