By MARK REY MONTEJO
Alas Pilipinas men’s team stars Kim Malabunga and Buds Buddin believe the country’s participation and hosting of the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship is not only a big boost to the sport but also an added motivation for aspiring national team players.
For Malabunga and Buddin, both products of the NU Bulldogs in the UAAP, the hosting of the event is likely to raise the level of play in the country, what with the presence of veritable who’s who in the event.
But more than that, it can also attract more kids to take up the sport seriously.
“Ayun, anlaking bagay ‘yon para sa men’s volleyball sa Pinas kasi para may makita ng mga susunod na players sa amin na may ganon palang liga na pwede na makalaro yung mga Pilipino,” said middle blocker Malabunga.
“And para pagsikapan din nila na sa susunod na maging [member] ng national team.”
As part of its massive build-up for next year’s event, the team was scheduled to leave Monday for Italy for a two-week training plus tune-up matched with various clubs.
Despite being an underdog in the 32-country showpiece, Buddin stressed that they want to go out there and take business as usual, noting the learning and knowledge they can get there are more important than worrying about the pressure.
“Para sa akin, no pressure kasi alam naman natin na wala silang inii-expect sa amin kasi expect nila matatalo kami,” said BuddinThe Filipinos are bracketed in Pool A, along with Iran, Tunisia and Egypt.
If they miraculously beat two of their three group rivals, the Filipinos will advance to a more dangerous pool where back-to-back Olympic champion France, reigning title Italy and last year’s runner up Poland are likely to enter.
