QUESTIONS over the level of support received by the Alas Pilipinas men’s volleyball team have surfaced online as the squad prepares for its campaign in the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
The issue gained attention after Alas member Marck Espejo posted a request seeking someone who could provide the team with training bands and foam rollers at a discounted price.
“Para kanino ka lumalaban? Para sa isa’t isa. LF: Team Bands/Foam Rollers. Discounted price pls,” Espejo wrote in an Instagram story.
been like this for years and it’s still so disheartening seeing alas men achieve so much while barely getting the support they deserve 🙂 pic.twitter.com/7kuqz5XSEw
— иísнi⋆｡°✩ (@nishinoiax) September 17, 2026
The post drew reactions from fans who expressed disappointment that members of the national team appeared to be looking for basic training and recovery equipment on their own while representing the country in a major international competition.
Espejo later shared an update showing the Alas players with bands and rollers donated by one of their former coaches.
na wow mali sa story ni bry haha nasa training si bagunas!! 😆
sila sila na naman nag susupport sa isa't isa (former PT/coach nila yung nagbigay ng rollers and bands) 🥲 https://t.co/R2goyU2nuK pic.twitter.com/HRlGFpO5Pe
— kai (@_madebykaii) September 18, 2026
The situation prompted renewed discussion among supporters about the resources available to the men’s national volleyball program, particularly with the Asian Games campaign approaching.
One fan wrote that it was “disheartening seeing alas men achieve so much while barely getting the support they deserve,” while another pointed to the team’s history of podium finishes and questioned the disparity in sponsorship support between the men and women’s programs.
The Alas Pilipinas men’s team is set to compete in the Asian Games, where it will seek to make an impact against some of Asia’s established volleyball programs. (Adrian Co)
