Alas Pilipinas makes history with first FIVB World Championship victory

Even without a title on the line, Alas Pilipinas marked a bold entry onto the international volleyball stage.

Photo Courtesy of Inquirer

Underdog world No. 77 Philippines announced its arrival by clinching the nation’s first win in the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship, stunning powerhouse Egypt, 29-27, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21 in dramatic fashion at the Mall of Asia Arena, September 16.

The win etched a new chapter for Philippine volleyball, marking the country’s maiden triumph in the federation’s 64-year history.

After a rough debut against Tunisia, the Philippines bounced back and seized a first-set groove to complete the upset and improve to a 1-1 record, while Egypt slipped to the same mark to stay in the hunt for a playoff spot.

Bryan Bagunas spearheaded the Nationals with a towering 25-point performance built on 23 attacks and two blocks, while Leo Ordiales added 21 markers. Marck Espejo chipped in 13.

“For me, sobrang proud ako kasi hindi namin inaasahan na mananalo kami kasi underdogs kami. Ayun, siguro maganda naging performance ng lahat, ni Marck, ni Ordiales, at buong team,” Bagunas said.

After a series of traded blows, the Filipinos erased a 26-27 deficit as Bagunas and Kim Malabunga delivered clutch points to keep the squad alive before Ordiales sealed the historic first set with an ace, 29-27.

The Philippines continued its run by taking a slim 2-1 lead off Egyptian back-to-back errors, but the visitors answered with a 5-2 spree to pull ahead early in the second set.

Down five, Espejo refused to fold, firing clutch points that briefly gave Alas a 23-22 lead, but Egypt spoiled the late surge with back-to-back kills to even the match at one set apiece.

Alas regrouped quickly in the third frame with steady attacks from Bagunas and Espejo, holding off Egypt’s rallies before pulling away late, Ordiales rising to the occasion again with a deflected hit for a 2-1 edge.

Following big man Hamada Elhadded’s block to tie at 12-all in the final set, Alas held firm and answered with its own blocks before Ordiales fired consecutive attacks to give the host nation a three-point advantage.

From there, all Alas had to do was finish the job. Bagunas muscled through Egypt’s wall defense to put the squad at match point before Espejo’s block delivered the historic win.

“Sa tingin ko naging malaking bagay ’yung defense namin lalo na ’yung serve namin kaya siguro mas na-control namin ’yung game,” Bagunas said.

Alas Pilipinas now aims to carry its momentum into a do-or-die match against Iran for a spot in the Round of 16 on Thursday, September 18.