Joshua Retamar.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Joshua Retamar is determined to earn his spot again in the Philippine men’s volleyball team after receiving an invitation to try out for the 25-man pool for the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.
A year after sitting out for the national team due to “lack of support,” Retamar is thrilled for another opportunity since his last stint wearing the Philippine flag on his chest in the 2022 Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam.
“Sobrang saya kasi na-invite ulit ako na mag-tryout para sa national team tapos ito yung preparation namin. Paghahandaan ko po talaga para mapasok ako sa line up,” the star setter told reporters during the launch of the country’s hosting of the World Championship next year on Tuesday.
Retamar, the main setter of the Nationals when they won the 2019 Southeast Asian Games silver medal, said he’s ready to do his part for the country as it hosts the Men’s World Championship for the first time from September 12 to 28 next year at Mall of Asia Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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“Ngayon po na ready na ako at kung nandiyan pa rin naman po ang tiwala ng coaches sa kaya ko ma-contribute, sino naman po ako para tanggihan ang pagkakataong mag try out at makapaglaro para sa bayan,” said the National University star.
“Nakaka-excite po na makita ang pagmamahal at suporta nila sa mga men’s international teams, susubukan po naming mga Pinoy players na maging karadapat dapat din sa puso ninyo.”
The reigning UAAP Best Setter and Finals MVP believes the historic hosting of the Philippines will take men’s volleyball to another level and will have a huge impact on the next generation.
“Sobrang saya po kasi maraming batang matutuwa, yung mga susunod sa amin pero siyempre kami muna yung matutuwa kasi mga idol namin yung makakalaban namin e. Minsan lang mangyari ‘to kaya masaya talaga,” said Retamar.
For now, the graduating UAAP setter keeps his focus on the NU Bulldogs’ ongoing “four-peat”-bid in the Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament as the national team preparation begins after the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference.