Alas Pilipinas brings Espejo, Bagunas, Garcia trio to Asian Games

FILE–Alas Pilipinas’ Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo celebrate a point against Egypt during their FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Alas Pilipinas men’s volleyball team will bring an explosive trio of Marck Espejo, Bryan Bagunas and Jude Garcia to the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

The three led the final roster for the Asian Games, with Espejo and Bagunas set for their second Asian Games.

READ: Alas Pilipinas women, men face tough draws in Asian Games 2026

Espejo, a champion in Taiwan, and Japan SV.League titleholder Bagunas reunite three years after the Philippine men’s volleyball program returned to the Asian Games.

This time, the longtime national team dynamic duo will be joined by Garcia, who has emerged as one of the faces of the Spikers’ Turf.

FILE–Jude Garcia in action for Alas Pilipinas men’s team in the 2026 SEA V Cup. –SAVA PHOTO

READ: Jude Garcia pumped up over team-up with established Alas stars

Also returning to the Asiad are Lloyd Josafat, Leo Ordiales and Peng Taguibolos, along with their fellow FIVB World Championship campaigners Josh Ybañez and Buds Buddin, who were also part of the Southeast Asian Games bronze medal-winning team.

Adrian Villados will also make his second Asian Games appearance, while new national team members Lirick Mendoza, Joshua Magalaman and Greg Ancheta earned their spots after debuting in the previous SEA V Cup.

Alas Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni continues to guide the men’s national volleyball team.

The Philippines is slated in Pool D against South Korea, China, and Chinese Taipei.