Ordiales: Being part of Alas Pilipinas pool already an achievement

YOUNG Leo Ordiales knows that nothing is guaranteed at the moment but if he earns a spot in Alas Pilipinas’ final roster for the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship Philippines 2025, he’s ready to embrace whatever role assigned of him.

Only 22, Ordiales is one of the 21 hopefuls eyeing a place in the Alas Pilipinas Final 14 that will carry the country’s colors in the 32-nation world championship, a historic spectacle set from September 12 to 28 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Ordiales has been part of the national pool preparing since last year for the country’s historic world championship hosting, a journey that recently took him through a three-country training camp in Morocco, Romania, and Portugal.

There, he toiled and soaked up lessons from veteran wingers Bryan Bagunas, Marck Espejo and Steven Rotter.

“For me, it’s not about age or experience. Whatever role is given to me—whether I’m in the first six, coming off the bench, or just in training—I’ll embrace it and give my all for the team,” said the opposite hitter from National University.

The Philippines and Tunisia open the world championship at 6 p.m. on September 12 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena--before K-pop group BOYNEXTDOOR and Cebuana singer-songwriter-actress Karencitta, Ordiales highlight an electrifying opening ceremony.

The Philippines takes on Egypt on September 16 and Iran on September 18 in Pool A action.

Tickets to the world championships are available online via the official website at www.philippineswch2025.com.

“I’ll just fulfill whatever role is given to me. Of course, it all starts with trust,” said Ordiales, who has already shown his value during the team’s build-up with his instant scoring off the bench. “I trust them because they also trust me. We’re all helping each other.”

“My only goal is to give my best, especially since we’ll be playing in front of our fellow Filipinos,” he said. “Whatever happens in the world championship, I want people to leave the arena saying they were proud of how the team played.”

Ordiales embraces the challenge not only as part of the team’s present, but also as a glimpse into the program’s future.

The 6-foot-6 opposite spiker said that just being considered for the final roster, while also rubbing shoulders with some of the country’s best, is already an achievement in his very young career.

This motivates him to keep working harder to prove he belongs at this level.

“Of course, I’m honored because not everyone is given this kind of opportunity,” he said. “Out of the millions who play volleyball in the Philippines and the many young athletes who dream of this, I feel truly grateful to be given this chance.”DANNY SIMON

Leo ordiales in action against Thailand during the SEA V.League in Candon City. PNVF Photo