Manila: For Josh Yba±ez, competing in the FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship 2025 is an opportunity to hone his skills and learn from the experience. The 5-foot-7 pride of General Santos City, who is among 21 players in the Alas Pilipinas pool, vows to perform well in the 32-nation event set at the SM Mall of Asia Arena and Smart-Araneta Coliseum on Sept. 12 to 28.

According to Philippines News Agency, the 22-year-old Yba±ez expressed his commitment to focusing on doing his best in every game and learning from each match, as articulated in a press statement issued by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) on Thursday. As an outside hitter at the collegiate level, the two-time UAAP champion from the University of Santo Tomas is used to pressure every time he steps on the court.

Yba±ez shared his perspective on dealing with pressure, noting that it is a constant presence and something he embraces while focusing on his passion for the sport. Under the guidance of Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni, Yba±ez has taken on a defensive role, showcasing his versatility and determination to perform at the highest level.

Representing the Philippines for the first time at the World Championship is a historic moment for the team, and Yba±ez is eager to learn from their opponents and the tournament itself. The Philippines will begin the tournament against Tunisia, with the match time moved to 4:30 p.m. from the original 6 p.m., following an opening ceremony featuring performances by K-pop group BOYNEXTDOOR and Cebuana singer-songwriter-actress Karencitta.

Fans can support Alas Pilipinas by purchasing tickets online at the official website, as the team prepares to face Egypt on Sept. 16 and Iran on Sept. 18. Yba±ez hopes for strong support from Filipinos, acknowledging the presence of other favored teams but urging fans to cheer for their national team.