Candon City: The Philippines seeks a higher spot on the podium in the Southeast Asian Men's V.League slated July 9 to 13 at the Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur. Bronze medalist last year, Alas Pilipinas is also aiming to secure world ranking points as well as a big share of the USD55,000 (PHP3.15 million) prize pool at stake.
According to Philippines News Agency, the champion gets USD13,000 (around PHP743,000) and the runner-up USD12,000 (PHP686,000) in the tournament supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee. The bronze medalists will receive USD11,000, the fourth placers USD10,000, and the fifth placers USD9,000.
Cambodia has joined two-leg champion Thailand, runner-up Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam in the region's top flight. The Cambodians were promoted after topping the 2024 SEA V. League Challenge featuring the Malaysia, Laos, and Singapore national teams.
Marck Espejo, Steve Rotter, and Owa Retamar are expected to deliver again for Alas Pilipinas, which beat Thailand in five sets in the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals last week. The Thais avenged that loss last Friday, prevailing 25-21, 25-20, 25-18, in the 9th-11th classification round at the Asian Volleyball Confederation Men's Nations Cup in Manama, Bahrain.
Alas Pilipinas is also preparing for the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship the country is hosting from September 12 to 28.
