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‘Multo’: Alas Pilipinas players reflect on falling just very short against Iran
For a few moments, Filipino volleyball fans were on a high as the Alas Pilipinas Men’s team won against Iran in the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship.
Until they weren’t.
With the Philippines at match point, a net touch challenge was called by Iran as they clung to their hopes of extending the fifth set.
True enough, the challenge was deemed successful, as Kim Malabunga touched the net, seemingly unintentional, just before the ball landed on the other side of the court.
From there, Iran eventually flexed its might and claimed a spot in the Round of 16.
“Sorry, akin,” Malabunga was quoted by Volleyball Philippines. “Siguro pagbubutihin na lang namin sa susunod para makabawi kami sa mga Pilipino.”
It was a heartbreaking loss for many, and even the players who gave their all on the court felt it deeply.
“That may be the most painful moment of [my] entire career, but Lord, thank you still! I am forever grateful. Thank you, Alas Pilipinas!” Josh Ybañez said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
That may be the most painful moment of mg entire career, but Lord, thank you still! I am forever grateful. Thank you, Alas Pilipinas!????????????
— Josh Ybañez (@joshinicism) September 18, 2025
“Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat! Di man natin nakuha ang panalo. Ramdam na ramdam namin na panalo kami sa inyo,” veteran Marck Espejo said in a social media post.
Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat!!!! Di man natin nakuha ang panalo. Ramdam na ramdam namin na panalo kami sa inyo. GRABE KAYO!!! Maraming salamat volleyball community. Hanggang sa susunod!??????????????????
— Marck Espejo (@MarckEspejooo) September 18, 2025
After the loss, a familiar song described the whole situation: Cup of Joe’s “Multo.”
A song about what-could-have-beens and heartbreaks, “Multo” has been on many playlists, even making it to the Billboard Global 200 last April.
And on Friday past midnight, Espejo was one of those who listened to the song.
“Mabigat lang kasi akala natin sa atin na ‘yung panalo,” Espejo said in an interview. “Pero sabi ko naman sa team sa huddle, nothing to be ashamed of kasi hindi naman namin in-expect na aabot tayo sa ganito kalayo.”
The ghost of what happened may still linger for a while, but Owa Retamar’s post encapsulates what lies ahead for the team and the sport: “Ito na ang simula ng pantay na respeto at pagkilala sa Men’s Volleyball.”
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
