By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
For one fleeting moment, fans inside the Mall of Asia Arena erupted in ecstasy as Alas Pilipinas seemed to have pulled off the unimaginable – a historic berth in the Round of 16 at the expense of Asian powerhouse Iran in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.
But a crucial video challenge from Iran on a net touch during Kim Malabunga’s block on Ali Haghparast – a call that was upheld – dramatically turned the tide and shattered the momentum of the Filipinos, turning what looked like a 20-18 fifth-set victory into a 19-all deadlock.
Iran then seized the opportunity and never looked back, closing out the deciding frame with a 22-20 win to seal the match and end the Filipinos’ spirited campaign that was admired and toasted by every Filipino.
A visibly heartbroken Kim Malabunga was quick to apologize for the costly error, even as teammates and local media offered words of consolation.
“Hindi ko ma-explain, kasi sobrang nada-down ako eh. Akin yun eh. Dapat panalo na yun kaso na-out of balance pa ako. Sorry sa akin,” he said.
Still, the veteran middle blocker quickly composed himself, choosing to focus on the valuable experience gained despite the pain of the loss.
“Masaya na malungkot kasi nakita ko yung mga pinaghirapan namin nung mga nakaraang taon, lumabas sa game na to. Pero nanghihinayang pa rin talaga,” he said.
“Pagbubutihin na lang namin para makabawi kami sa mga Pilipino. Huwag susuko kasi kaya pala,” he added.
Fans quickly took to social media to offer words of encouragement and appreciation – not just for Malabunga, but for the entire team that exceeded expectations in the tournament.
“I just really hope Kim Malabunga and Marck Espejo won’t take what happened personally. You’re bigger than that — the team still needs you. Bawi tayo!” one fan posted.
“Saludo pa rin, Kim Malabunga,” another user wrote.
“Thank you, Alas Pilipinas men’s volleyball team. Talo man, panalo pa rin kayo samin,” one fan posted.
“Thank you coach (Angiolino Frigoni) for believing in our country and to our players that they can compete against the best in the world. We salute you!” another user wrote.
“We are all proud of you!”
