Marck Espejo of Criss Cross delivers a power smash during the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference finals against Cignal at Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila on April 2, 2025. Espejo is a member of the Philippine squad that will compete in the Southeast Asian Men’s V.League in Candon City, Ilocos Sur on July 9 to 13. (Contributed photo)
Alas Pilipinas is aiming to climb higher on the podium as it competes in the Southeast Asian Men’s V.League set from July 9 to 13 at the Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur.
Following a bronze-medal finish in last year’s edition, the national squad looks to improve its standing while also securing crucial FIVB world ranking points and a significant cut of the $55,000 (approximately P3.15 million) prize pool.
The tournament champion will take home $13,000 (around P743,000), while the second and third placers will earn $12,000 and $11,000, respectively. Teams finishing fourth and fifth will receive $10,000 and $9,000.
Joining the competition are powerhouse squads Thailand and Indonesia—champion and runner-up, respectively, from the past two legs—alongside host Philippines, Vietnam, and newly promoted Cambodia. Cambodia earned its spot in the top tier after winning the 2024 SEA V. League Challenge, besting Malaysia, Laos, and Singapore.
Key players such as Marck Espejo, Steve Rotter, and Owa Retamar are expected to lead the charge for the Philippines. The trio played pivotal roles in Alas Pilipinas’ five-set victory over Thailand during the recent Alas Pilipinas Invitationals. However, Thailand bounced back days later with a straight-sets win (25-21, 25-20, 25-18) during their clash in the 9th–11th classification round of the AVC Men’s Nations Cup held in Manama, Bahrain.
The SEA V.League is a key part of the team’s buildup for the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, which the Philippines will host from September 12 to 28.