Joshua “Owa” Retamar and his Alas Pilipinas teammates returned from a demanding three-country training camp in Morocco, Romania, and Portugal, gaining valuable experience ahead of the Philippines’ historic debut as host of the FIVB Men’s World Championship next month. The 25-year-old setter admitted that facing taller and stronger European teams initially intimidated the squad, but the challenges helped them realize that skill and teamwork can neutralize the height disadvantage.

“At first, I was a bit nervous because everyone here is so tall. We felt like high schoolers compared to them,” Retamar said. “But we’re happy because we realized that even if we’re smaller, we can still keep up with them. They have a height advantage, but we can match their skills. Our training camp has been exhausting, but it was so worth it. It helped us a lot.”

Leadership role and guiding the new generation

Retamar first made his mark on the national team at age 19, playing a key role in the Philippines’ silver medal at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. Now a senior member of the squad, he mentors younger setters Eco Adajar and Elijah Tae-yin Kim.

“The three of us really support each other, especially during games. We always talk about strategies to score quickly, so we’ve become a great trio on the court,” Retamar said. “Even now, I still struggle to act like a senior on the team. That’s why Kuya Bryan (Bagunas) and Kuya Marck (Espejo) always remind me that I need to step up and be a leader.”

Under Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni, Retamar has gained both technical and mental lessons. “I’m improving in a lot of ways, even my attitude when it comes to volleyball. Even if I can’t always show it or do what’s expected of me right away, I’m really trying, for myself and for my team,” he said.

Philippines set for historic World Championship debut

Retamar is one of 21 players in the Alas pool, hoping to make the Final 14 for the historic opener against Tunisia on September 12 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The opening ceremony will feature a first-of-its-kind show with K-pop group BOYNEXTDOOR and Cebuana singer-songwriter Karencitta performing the event’s theme song.

The Philippines will also face No. 23 Egypt on September 16 and No. 13 Iran on September 18 in Pool A action.