Alas Pilipinas Men will have a familiar playmaker back in the fold when they open their 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games campaign against South Korea on Sunday at Park Arena Komaki.
Versatile setter Ave Joshua “Owa” Retamar arrived from Europe on Friday, giving Alas Men a timely boost ahead of its highly anticipated clash with the Koreans at 1 p.m.
Retamar, who plays for Ordu Sports Club in Azerbaijan, has had only limited time to train with the national team, but his familiarity with the squad should help ease the adjustment.
Team manager Ronwald Dimaculangan said the addition of Retamar gives the group a more complete look heading into its opening match.
“Okay naman sila sa ngayon, we are hoping maging maganda ang resulta ng laro namin bukas kahit ngayon lang maging complete,” said Dimaculangan.
Although Retamar only had a day to practice with the team, chemistry is not expected to be a major concern.
The setter already knows many of his teammates well after playing alongside them during the 2025 FIVB World Championships in Manila, giving Alas Men an important advantage despite the limited preparation time.
Veterans Bryan Bagunas, Marck Jesus Espejo, Josh Ybañez and Lloyd Josafat are expected to play key roles as the Philippines takes on a South Korean side known for its offensive firepower.
But rather than becoming too focused on the opposition, Dimaculangan said Alas Men will concentrate on executing its own game.
“That will be our focus, our own games rather than our opponents,” he added.
The Philippines will open its campaign against one of Asia’s perennial contenders, making Sunday’s match an immediate test for the national squad.
The men’s volleyball tournament features a packed eight-game schedule on opening day, with Iran facing Kyrgyzstan at 1 p.m. and Japan taking on Uzbekistan at 7 p.m. at Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park.
Meanwhile, China clashes with Chinese Taipei at 7 p.m., also as part of the opening-day action.
For Alas Men, however, the spotlight is firmly on Park Arena Komaki, where Retamar’s timely arrival adds another familiar piece to a squad looking to make a strong start in Nagoya. (Jesus Nathaniel Valdez)
