BANGKOK, Thailand — Bryan Bagunas and the rest of Alas Pilipinas men’s indoor volleyball team are eager to begin their redemption tour in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.

Fancied to make a podium return after coming up empty-handed in the last two editions, the Filipino spikers look to start their campaign on a winning note against Myanmar today at the Indoor Stadium Huamark here.  

Opening serve is at 1:30 p.m. (Manila time).

Bannered by a crack core that made an impressive debut in the FIVB Men’s World Championship last September, expectations are high for Alas to snatch a medal – even a historic gold — since earning silver in the 2019 Manila SEA Games.

“We’re eager for a podium finish. We were able to achieve that in 2019, but failed in the next two (in Hanoi and Phnom Penh SEA Games). I guess it’s time for us to make a comeback,” Team Philippines flag bearer and ace spiker Bryan Bagunas said.

Alas has undergone over a year of intensive international training and exposure under the guidance of multi-titled Italian head coach Angiolino Frigoni.

Alas went to Taiwan for a two-week training camp as part of its buildup for the SEA Games, aiming for a historic gold medal finish — a feat the Philippines has yet to achieve since it first joined the men’s competition in the 1977 Kuala Lumpur edition.  

“Team Alas prepared well for this competition. We were given all the support we needed. It’s time for us to give back and repay all the support,” the 28-year-old winger said.

“We want to give a great and proper performance for those who support us.”

All eyes are on the world No. 80-ranked Alas after making a splash in the World Championship. It defeated African champion Egypt in a historic four-set decision and came close to a Round of 16 appearance.

“We want to focus on our goal here and not be satisfied with what we have achieved in the Worlds. We know that in the SEA Games, all teams will give their 100 percent,” Bagunas added.

Open spiker Marck Espejo returns as Bagunas’ wing partner alongside top setter Owa Retamar, Leo Ordriales, Kim Malabunga, Buds Buddin, Louie Ramirez, Jade Disquitado, backup playmaker Eco Adajar, liberos Josh Ybanez and Vince Lorenzo, Lloyd Josafat, Rwenzmel Taguibolos and debuting Al-Bukharie Sali.

Alas will meet three-time defending champion Indonesia on Tuesday.

Playing in Group A are Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and Laos.

The top two teams after the pool play will advance to the knockout crossover semifinals on 18 December. The gold medal match and battle for bronze will be played on 19 December.