Alas Pilipinas’ Buds Buddin in the SEA VLeague.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Buds Buddin feels he has everything to gain in the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship 2025 as he and the young Alas Pilipinas experience a once-in-a-lifetime hosting and participation against the world’s best teams.
With host and World No. 64 Alas Pilipinas headlining Pool A against Asian championship runner-up and World No. 15 Iran as well as African champions Egypt (20) and Tunisia (24), Buddin believes any group is tough to play in for the first-timers.
“Para sa akin naman, kahit sino naman siguro ka-bracket namin doon, lahat naman sila malalakas. Mas magwo-work hard kami para makasabay kami sa kung anong ipapakita nila — para sa Filipino fans and sa mga Filipino na sumusuporta sa amin,” Buddin told reporters after the draw on Saturday night at Solaire Grand Ballroom.
READ: Alas’ Buds Buddin named Best Outside Hitter anew in SEA VLeague
Buds Buddin and Kim Malabunga after the FIVB #MWCH2025 draw. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/Rjs4N27qGT
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) September 14, 2024
For Buddin, who almost quit volleyball due to his injuries before leading National University to another title run in UAAP Season 86 last May and getting an opportunity to play for the national team, the world championship hosting and participation will take Philippine men’s volleyball to greater heights as it will inspire younger generations to play their sport.
“Para sa akin, mas nakaka-inspire sa mga aspiring volleyball (players) at yung mga bata na nangangarap. Para sa susunod na panahon, sila naman yung makakapaglaro diyan,” Buddin said.
The NU star admitted that nobody expects them to win against the world’s best volleyball squads but he is eager to prove that the Filipino Spikers are capable of competing on the international stage and use the FIVB experience as a big boost ahead of their medal quest in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.
“No pressure kasi alam naman natin na wala silang ine-expect sa amin. Ilalabas namin lahat para maipakita sa kanila na may ibubuga rin yung Philippine men’s volleyball team dito,” said Buddin. “Maglaro kami nang maglaro para mag-improve pa kami, hindi lang para sa world championship, para sa pagdating ng SEA Games.”
READ: Buds Buddin, a last-minute call-up, shines for Alas Pilipinas
Buddin, a last-minute call-up, shone in the absence of Marck Espejo and Bryan Bagunas, emerging as two-time SEA V.League Best Outside Spiker after leading his team to a pair of bronze medals in two legs.
The Alas rising star is determined to continue their progress as the training pool flies to Italy, the home country of coach Angiolino Frigoni, on Monday for a two-week camp.
“Step by step muna sa ngayon and siguro more international leagues, training camps, tune ups para at least mas maraming learnings bago mag-world championship, lahat pulido and fully prepared kami,” Buddin said.