For the growth of the sport.

Alas Pilipinas stars Kim Malabunga and Buds Buddin strongly believed that the country's hosting of the 2025 FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship will serve as a huge inspiration for the younger generation to strive further and become the next faces of the Philippine team in the future.

Malabunga and Budding, both products of the NU Bulldogs in the UAAP, said the hosting of the global showpiece plays a significant role for the sport that has been gaining success and huge popularity among Filipinos.

"Malaking bagay ‘yon para sa men's volleyball sa Pilipinas 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."

The Philippines is set to stage the biggest men’s volleyball tournament for the first time – and also the only Southeast Asian country to have the opportunity in FIVB history.

“Para sa akin mas nakaka-inspired sa mga aspiring volleyball [players] ngayon. Matagal pa naman ‘yong laro, and siguro ‘yong mga bata na nangangarap na maging katulad namin maging inspired sila maglaro,” said outside hitter Buddin.

“Para atleast sa susunod na panahon sila naman ‘yong nandito,” he added.

The whole squad, along with head coach Angiolino Frigoni, will fly to Italy on Monday, Sept. 16, for a two-week training including tuneup games with foreign teams.

Last weekend, the Philippines, as host, was grouped in Pool A together with African Championship victors Tunisia and Egypt. Also in the group was Iran, which has multiple crowns in Asian Games and the continental championship.

If the Filipino spikers make it through the next round, they might face powerhouses Italy, France, Poland, and Brazil.

Despite being an underdog in the 32-country tournament, Buddin said the team should write down valuable lessons from every step they take instead of 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,” Buddin said. “So, kung ano yung na-train namin, during game siguro ilalabas namin lahat para may pakita sa kanila na may bubuga rin tayo.”

The final Alas Pilipinas roster for the world championship is yet to be announced, and according to mentor Frigoni he will further determine it through their local and international games in the next months.