Alas Pilipinas Men remain winless at the 2026 Asian Games after absorbing a 25-21, 25-20, 25-22 loss to powerhouse China on Monday at Park Arena Komaki in Japan.
It was another spirited effort from the Filipinos, but the same problem that hurt them against South Korea surfaced again as Alas struggled with errors at crucial moments.
The Philippines committed 27 errors against just nine from China, dropping to 0-2 in Pool D without winning a single set.
Captain Bryan Bagunas, who finished with 15 points on 12 attacks and three aces, said the team needs to learn from the experience and find ways to cut down its mistakes.
“Sobrang dami talagang errors namin ’yun sa game. Siguro kung mabawasan lang talaga, kaya naman. Kaya naman manalo,” Bagunas said.
With the team now facing an uphill battle for a quarterfinal berth, Bagunas said the Asian Games should still serve as valuable experience for the squad.
“Sa akin, siyempre, itong Asian Games siguro gagawin namin as experience. ’Di man kami manalo, pero may natutunan kami,” he added.
Alas Men will look to turn those lessons into results as they face Chinese Taipei in their next Pool D match Tuesday at 1 p.m. Japan time at Park Arena Komaki.
Despite the difficult start, Bagunas made sure to recognize the Filipino supporters who continue to back the team in Japan.
“Ayun, sobrang thankful kami sa mga fans, lalo na sa pagpunta nila dito sa Japan. Talagang ’di nila pinapabayaan yung men’s volleyball. Talagang nandyan palagi ang support nila,” he said. (Jesus Nathaniel Valdez)
