Owa Retamar is hoping for consistency as the national team builds its lineup heading into the country’s historic hosting of the 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship.

With the solo hosting gig came an outright berth for the Philippines to participate in the competition where it will be pitted against 31 volleyball powerhouse nations. 

Though the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) has already introduced the newly-formed Alas Pilipinas for both men’s and women’s national teams, two-time UAAP Best Setter and back-to-back Finals MVP Retamar urged for consistency in finalizing the lineup who will suit up for the competition next year. 

Besides, a solid rotation will be the Philippines’ best bet in its gallant home stand against the visiting volleyball royalties it has never encountered before in the international stage. 

“For me, ang pwede pa sanang ma-improve ‘yung maging consistent ang pagbuo ng team. Kumbaga doon nagmo-mold ‘yung teamwork and communication. Nabubuo talaga ‘yung team through that. Sana lang talaga tuluy tuloy kasi pag buo ‘yung team mas naipapakita ng bawat isa kung ano ‘yung kaya nila. Lalo na sa amin ‘yung men’s team, [we know what we are capable of],” said Retamar. 

Alas Pilipinas has actually lost another chance to play against world No. 3 Japan in a friendly match as it has recently been cancelled for the second time in two years, with the fan favorite Ryujin Nippon seeing action in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Manila leg for the third consecutive year. 

The Marck Espejo-captained Alas Pilipinas is coming off another 10th place finish in the AVC Challenge Cup for Men in Bahrain, where a mix of collegiate and pro players made up the squad. 

There, the Philippines could only bag one win at the expense of Indonesia in four outings. 

With limited exposure and experience in dealing with volleyball’s best around the world, Retamar is raring to get back to work and guide the team to a promising appearance in its biggest playing opportunity yet. 

“Our competition in Bahrain, maganda naman ‘yung kinalabasan. Nakita namin ano pa ‘yung kulang sa team and ‘yung mga pwede namin maging advantage sa darating na [international competitions including] the World Championships kahit alam namin na malalakas ‘yung team doon," he said. 

"Pero alam namin pag nagkaroon kami ng [proper and longer] training na buo kami, kahit papaano sana kayanin,” he said. 

Between guiding National University to a rare four-peat title in the UAAP in his final year and pursuing the pro rank with Cignal in Spikers’ Turf, Retamar is keen on dedicating his time and focus on the national team sooner than later.