Alas Pilipinas Men. Handout/Asian Volleyball Confederation
MANILA, Philippines – The Alas Pilipinas Men are off to a rousing start in 2025 SEA Men's V.League.
This, as the national team swept visiting Vietnam, 25-17, 25-23, 25-19, for its first win on Wednesday at Candon City Arena.
Leo Ordiales and Buds Buddin were the locals' offensive heroes, conniving for a total of 36 points to headline all scorers.
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"I’m very happy for my performance because I showed my talent to the people watching here. I’m very happy for the win," Ordiales said after the game.
"We improved a lot, we improved on our defense, serve, blocking and our communication," claimed Ordiales.
The Philippines flexed its blocking prowess, listing a total of nine, led by Buddin who had four, with Jade Disquitado and Rwenzmel Taguibolos adding two each, and Lloyd Josafat added one.
In contrast, the Vietnamese side only had three blocks.
Libero Josh Ybanez had 13 digs and seven receptions for the defense, with the home team ending the match in just a little over an hour.
Alas Men hope to continue their stellar showing against Thailand, set for Thursday at the same venue.
This serves as a preparation for Alas Men's participation at the Philippine-hosted 2025 FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship.
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They are playing without veteran outside hitter Marck Espejo, who will sit out the tournament due to an ankle sprain.
The tournament has a prize fund of $55,000 (P3.15 million), with the champion getting $13,000 (around P743,000), the runner-up earning $12,000 (P686,000) and the bronze medalists receiving $11,000. The fourth placers get $10,000 and the fifth placers $9,000.
Candon City is also hosting an an international tournament for the first time.