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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Volleyball devider 'Best game sa buong buhay namin': Espejo, Bagunas relish landmark win at FIVB Worlds

'Best game sa buong buhay namin': Espejo, Bagunas relish landmark win at FIVB Worlds

Published Sep 16, 2025 11:20 pm

At A Glance

  • Despite a career filled with countless victories, trophies, and medals, the hard-hitting outside spiker admitted that their 29-27, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21 breakthrough triumph over Egypt in the pool stage stands as the highlight of his career so far.
Alas Pilipinas celebrates its first win at the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship. (Volleyball World)
Alas Pilipinas celebrates its first win at the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship. (Volleyball World)
For Marck Espejo, nothing compares to securing a historic first win on volleyball’s grandest stage -- the FIVB Men’s World Championship.
Despite a career filled with countless victories, trophies, and medals, the hard-hitting outside spiker admitted that their 29-27, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21 breakthrough triumph over Egypt in the pool stage stands as the highlight of his career so far.
“Feeling ko eto na yung pinaka-best game namin sa buong buhay namin,” said Espejo.
Indeed, the Filipinos made a statement on Tuesday night, Sept. 16. Up against the African champion, which ranked No. 23 prior to the start of the tournament, the 82nd-ranked Filipinos delivered killer blows on all angles and provided solid defense to secure a landmark victory and make their presence felt in the competition.
Espejo erupted for 13 points in that electrifying match, anchored on nine  attacks and three blocks -- the last of which came at the perfect moment, a stunning rejection of Egypt’s Abdelrahman Elhossiny that sealed the victory and sent the Mall of Asia Arena into pandemonium.
For Espejo, the win was just a testament that Filipinos have what it takes to compete against the world’s best.
“Meron po talagang ibubuga 'yung Philippines. Hindi man ganun katangkad or kasing-physically fit man, pero I hope na itong hosting ng world championship, makakuha pa po ng mga gustong maglaro ng volleyball and hopefully, mag-represent ng Philippines kapag wala na kami dito,” he said.
Team captain Bryan Bagunas, the start of the night after exploding for a match-high 25 points, echoed the sentiment.
“Ito na siguro yung simula para ipakita namin na hindi lang kami hanggang sa SEA (Southeast Asian) Games or Asian Games. Na kaya nating makipag-compete sa magagaling na teams sa world championship,” he said.
It may be a group stage victory, but the Nationals are relishing the moment. After all, they are still in the running for a spot into the next round.
Then it will be back to business as they shoot for the stars.
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