Peter Jandrei Melan

Alas Pilipinas wrapped up their Leg 1 campaign in the 5th Southeast Asian (SEA) V. League with a hard-fought effort but ultimately fell short of a podium finish, bowing to long-time tormentor Indonesia in straight sets, 25-19, 25-17, 25-17, at the Candon Arena in Ilocos Sur, July 13.

Photo Courtesy of RM Chua/One Sports.

Despite a promising 2-1 record heading into the final day, the national squad failed to break through their long-time regional rivals, finishing with a 2-2 slate and settling for fourth place in the overall standings.

It was the first time since 2023 that the Philippines missed the podium in the SEA V. League.

Needing both an upset win by Cambodia over Thailand and a win against Indonesia to capture what could’ve been the country’s first men’s volleyball international gold, neither scenario came to fruition.

Vietnam edged out the Philippines for bronze with the same 2-2 record but a superior 7 match points, compared to the hosts’ 5.

Indonesia’s Boy Arnez Arabi led the way with a 21-point performance, built on 15 attacks, two blocks, and four aces that dismantled the Filipinos’ defense throughout the match.

For Alas, Tournament Best Opposite Spiker Leo Ordiales was held to just 12 points, while Buds Buddin and Jade Disquitado managed only six markers apiece. The team struggled with service reception and offensive fluidity—which hindered any momentum against the aggressive Indonesian squad.

Three-time champions Thailand secured the gold with a 3-1 record, followed by silver medalists Indonesia (3-1) and bronze medalists Vietnam (2-2).

Despite the fourth-place finish, Alas Pilipinas collected valuable FIVB ranking points and a $10,000 cash prize, adding silver linings to an otherwise bittersweet home-leg campaign.

The team will now regroup and seek redemption in Leg 2 of the SEA V. League, scheduled from July 16 to 20 in Jakarta, Indonesia.