Alas Pilipinas Men are deep into their three-country training camp and are currently in Romania to refine their skills and build team chemistry ahead of the highly anticipated FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship in Manila.

“We eat together, train hard together and push each other,” said Bryan Bagunas, one of Alas Pilipinas’s cornerstones who is close to full recovery from injury. Speaking from Piatra Neamt, Bagunas described the daily grind under world champion Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni.

“Training here is intense in the morning, and in the afternoon session, we focus on strength, conditioning and game systems,” he added.

Bagunas leads the push under coach Frigoni

Bagunas, a decorated outside spiker with MVP honors in both Taiwan’s Top Volleyball League and the Spikers’ Turf, also signed with Japan’s Osaka Bluteon for the upcoming SV.League season. Despite his star status, he is putting in the same effort as the rest of the 21-player pool, from which Frigoni will select the final 14 for the World Championship.

“Coach Angiolino has been pushing us to be disciplined and smart on the court, and I think that’s making a big difference in our preparation,” Bagunas shared. The Philippines will open its campaign on September 12 against Tunisia at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, with only 27 days left until first serve.

Veterans and young players strengthen team chemistry

Before arriving in Romania, Alas Pilipinas also trained in Morocco and will head to Portugal next to complete their European preparations. Romania, ranked No. 22, and Portugal, ranked No. 28, are both competing in the World Championship. Morocco, though ranked No. 81, gave the Philippines (No. 77) valuable competition.

Bagunas emphasized the growing chemistry among the squad. “We have a great balance of veterans who bring experience and leadership, and younger players who bring energy and fresh perspectives,” he said.

The pool includes SEA Games silver medalists Marck Espejo, Kim Malabunga, Owa Retamar, and Jack Kalingking, along with Steven Rotter, Louie Ramirez, JP Bugaoan, Vince Lorenzo, and Lloyd Josafat. They are joined by rising stars such as Josh Ybañez, Kennedy Batas, Buds Buddin, Jade Disquitado, Leo Ordiales, and Filipino-foreigners Elijah Tae-Yin Kim and Lucca Mamone.

PNVF and AVC president Ramon “Tats” Suzara praised the squad’s commitment. “Our Alas Men’s team is in Portugal and Romania, working so hard to improve our level. I hope we can really play better for the World Championships,” Suzara said.

Tickets for the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, scheduled from September 12 to 28 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum, are available via www.philippineswch2025.com.

After the opening match against Tunisia, the Philippines will also face No. 23 Egypt on September 16 and No. 13 Iran on September 18 in Pool A. The opening ceremony at the SM MOA Arena will feature K-pop group BOYNEXTDOOR and Cebuana singer Karencitta, who will perform the tournament’s theme song.