Alas Pilipinas Men in action against Thailand at the AVC Nations Cup 2025. Photo from Asian Volleyball Confederation/file
MANILA — Alas Pilipinas Men won't be short of youthful talent as they brace for a historic participation in the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship 2025.
Alas Men have, at their disposal, young gunners Michaelo “Buds” Buddin, Jade Disquitado, Louie Ramirez, and Eco Adajar—who are all vying to make it to the final roster of Alas Men in the FIVB Worlds.
Also injecting the squad with depth and energy are pool members Josh Ybañez, Leo Ordiales, and Peng Taguibolos, and Louie Ramirez, who is bringing the NCAA pride to the national team, in case he cracks the Alas lineup.
"I'm proud that wherever I go, I still carry the NCAA with me. It means a lot to come from there,” said Ramirez in a statement made available to the media.
Ramirez is a two-time MVP with the University of Perpetual Help in the NCAA.
READ: Italy, Japan arrive in PH for FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship
“This will definitely be one of the best moments of my volleyball career. It’s the world championship,” Ramirez added.
Palawan native Buddin also relished his "dream come true" of making it to the national team—and possibly, playing in the FIVB Worlds.
“Honestly, this is a dream come true. I couldn’t ask for more. Coming from the province, I just dreamed of making it to Palarong Pambansa, then I played for NU in the UAAP, and now I'm on the national team. It just feels like everything’s been falling into place, especially if I end up getting lined up for the World Championship,” he said.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play and represent the country. That would be a huge honor and probably the biggest moment of my career so far,” added Buddin, who also won individual plums at the Southeast Asian level.
READ: Alas Pilipinas Men sharpen skills in Europe training camp ahead of worlds
Outside spiker Disquitado is proud of himself with what he achieved, but that doesn't mean he's stopping.
"Honestly, I never expected to reach this level. I’m really proud of myself for making it this far. It’s not easy to get here,” Disquitado said.
"This means a lot to me, especially for the experience. And for the younger players coming after us, I hope they work hard in training, listen to their coaches, and keep pushing so they can also reach this level someday."
Adajar, the setter out of De La Salle, is embracing the lessons he had learned from his seniors in the national team, and hopes to apply them in games alongside fellow playmaker Owa Retamar.
"As a rookie and one of the youngest members of Alas, being a setter is definitely one of the toughest roles in volleyball, and to top it off, I’m playing on the world stage. But with the guidance of our older teammates, the role doesn’t feel too heavy because they’re always there to lead us,” said the 24-year-old playmaker.
"As a setter working alongside Owa, it’s been a great learning experience. We constantly exchange knowledge during training and games. Plus, with the support of the home crowd, I think we’ll feel lighter and more confident on the court knowing the Filipino fans are cheering us on."
These rising stars of Philippine men's volleyball hope to live up to the hype and defend home turf at the World Championship, scheduled for September 12-28.
READ: FIVB Worlds: Alas Pilipinas to face Wassim Ben Tara-less Tunisia on opening day
The Philippines is grouped with Iran, Egypt, and Tunisia.
Tickets are available at https://www.philippineswch2025.com/about/tickets.
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