Bagunas happy to see PH men’s volleyball draw more support

Bryan Bagunas.–PVL IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines — Bryan Bagunas relished the “once in a lifetime” opportunity of the Philippine men’s volleyball team’s participation and hosting of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.

Bagunas, one of the brightest stars of the men’s national team, is thrilled their sport is finally receiving more support after the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) secured the prestigious tournament from September 12 to 28 next year at Mall of Asia Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“Siyempre natutuwa ako kasi kasali tayo, men’s national team, once in a lifetime lang ‘yun e. Natutuwa kami kasi dinadala ng federation natin dito ‘yung mga ganung tournament so nandoon ‘yung suporta nila sa men’s,” said Bagunas after his Spikers’ Turf debut with the Cignal HD Spikers on Wednesday.

“Talagang natutuwa ako kasi alam natin na sobrang sikat ng women’s natin dito pero bina-balance talaga ng federation natin na iangat din ang men’s natin,” he added.

Bagunas, who has been very vocal in promoting Philippine men’s volleyball, promises to make the most of the country’s rare opportunity to play and host the world stage.

“Sana magtuloy tuloy. Kami naman nandito lang kami para sumuporta at pagiigihan namin para mas tumaas pa ‘yung level of play ng men’s volleyball,” he said.

Bryan Bagunas. –POOL PHOTO

The former UAAP MVP out of National University was reportedly a shoo-in to the squad as national team coaches Sergio Veloso, Dante Alinsunurin, and Odjie Mamon will form a 25-man training pool for the upcoming international tournaments including the World Championship next year.

Bagunas led the Philippines to a historic silver medal in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. He was part of the team’s return to the Asian Games last year before winning his second championship with WinStreak in Taiwan’s Top Volleyball League.

The TVL MVP could team up and have another healthy competition with Marck Espejo, who also won a championship in the Korean V-League, and his new Cignal teammate Jau Umandal.

“Sobrang natutuwa ako na magkasama ulit kami ni Jau dito sa Cignal. Ayun, alam ko naman yung taong yun gustong gusto talaga mag-volleyball and gusto talaga din niya may matunayan sa Philippine volleyball,” Bagunas said.

For now, Bagunas is focused on helping Cignal, holding a 4-0 record, defend its Spikers’ Turf Open Conference championship.

The HD Spikers and WinStreak have supported his dual stint in the Philippines and Taiwan.

“Actually, ang Cignal naman, sabi naman nila basta nasa ibang bansa ako, focus lang daw ako sa tournament ko sa ibang bansa. Then once na pagkatapos naman [yung season], yung vacation ko naman doon dito naman ako. Maayos naman sila kausap ang Cignal at club ko sa Taiwan,” he said.

Bagunas is also happy with the vastly improved competition in Spikers’ Turf with several newcomers including Criss Cross, which will field Espejo.

“Siyempre alam naman natin na ang Rebisco sobrang stable rin ‘yan. Nagsimula sila sa women’s then nagtayo sila ng men’s. Siyempre para sa akin, natutuwa ako na merong ganung team na sumali. Siyempre hindi lang Cignal ‘yung kumbaga tinitingnan.Sobrang natutuwa ako kasi ‘yun nga unti unti na siya nagle-level up. Sana magtuloy tuloy and soon maging pro na rin ang men’s,” he said.