Alas Pilipinas is out to showcase its roster depth and bounce back from roster challenges as the national team competes in the first leg of the 2025 Southeast Asian V.League in Candon City, Ilocos Sur, just over two months before hosting the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.

With stars Marck Espejo, Louie Ramirez, and Owa Retamar unavailable during the opener, the national team is relying on players like Ken Batas, Jerico Adajar, and Buds Buddin to step up and lead the charge toward a podium finish in the five-nation tournament.

Depth tested early as key players sit out

Alas Pilipinas faced a tough start to the campaign with outside hitter Marck Espejo still sidelined due to an ankle sprain and Louie Ramirez attending his graduation. Meanwhile, first-choice setter Owa Retamar missed action due to illness, allowing Jerico Adajar to take the lead in orchestrating plays on court.

Despite the roster shuffle, Batas, the reigning UAAP MVP from Ateneo, remains confident in the team’s readiness.

“We are all ready. We’ve been training the past months. We’re working on jelling and we’re getting there,” said Batas. “Everyone who is called to play will deliver. We are more than ready.”

Thailand kicked off the tournament by defeating Indonesia, 22-25, 25-21, 25-22, 25-20, to set the tone for what promises to be a tightly contested leg.

Candon City aims for global spotlight with SEA V.League hosting

The City of Candon makes its international volleyball hosting debut, continuing its rise as a sporting hub in Northern Luzon. Mayor Eric Singson expressed pride in the city’s role in supporting the national team’s world championship preparations.

“We’re very happy. It’s the first time we’re hosting an international tournament, and we’re hoping to do our part,” said Singson. “We want to put Candon on the global sporting map.”

The 2025 SEA V.League serves as a valuable tune-up for Alas Pilipinas, which eyes a strong showing on home soil in the FIVB Men’s World Championship Philippines 2025.