Emotional, special experience for Alas Pilipinas Men as PH makes FIVB Worlds debut

It was a special and emotional moment for the Alas Pilipinas players as they stepped onto the court for the first time in the FIVB Men’s World Championship on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

After all, this marks the Philippines’ debut in the prestigious global tournament.

“Sobrang saya. Pagpasok na pagpasok ko sa court, bigla akong kinilabutan talaga. Tapos medyo naluluha ako kasi first time nga nangyari sa Pilipinas ‘to, tapos kasama pa ako sa naglaro,” said setter Owa Retamar.

However, Retamar admitted that nerves may have contributed to the team’s slow start as they fell to Tunisia, 25-13, 25-17, 25-23.

“Siguro ‘yun, kasama din ‘yun sa pressure, kasi tayo ‘yung host. And first time namin, kaya medyo slow start kami.”

His captain Bryan Bagunas, meanwhile, said it was also a special moment for him, as he returned to international play after recovering from injury.

“For me, ‘yun nga, na-goosebump ako. Sobrang na-feel ko na naman ‘yung crowd. Alam n’yo naman, almost a year akong nagpahinga, nag-recovery muna ako. Sobrang natutuwa ako na nandiyan talaga ‘yung suporta ng fans.”

Alas Pilipinas will face Egypt next on Tuesday.

—GMA Integrated News