Alas Pilipinas’ Leo Ordiales (17) celebrates a point with his teammates.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Being part of Alas Pilipinas’ 21-man pool is already an achievement for Leo Ordiales.
But once he gets a chance to play in the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship Philippines 2025, the young opposite spiker will make the most out of it.
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At age 22, Ordiales has already established himself as one of the country’s up-and-coming opposite hitters, proving his worth on the international stage, including a SEA V-League first leg Best Opposite Spiker award.
“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 6-foot-6 Ordiales relished the opportunity to learn from veteran wingers Bryan Bagunas, Marck Espejo, and Steven Rotter after a fruitful three-country training camp in Morocco, Romania, and Portugal.
“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.”
Carrying that lesson, Ordiales promises to leave everything on the floor if he makes it to the Final 14, who will carry the country’s colors in the 32-nation world championship, a historic spectacle set from September 12 to 28 at SM Mall of Asia Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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“I’ll just fulfill whatever role is given to me. Of course, it all starts with trust,” said Ordiales. “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. Whatever happens in the world championship, I want people to leave the arena saying they were proud of how the team played,” he added.
The Philippines and Tunisia open the world championship at 6 p.m. on September 12 at 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.
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Tickets to the world championships are available online via the official website at www.philippineswch2025.com.
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