Alas Pilipinas is fielding a formidable crew with the arrival of main setter Owa Retamar just in time for the team’s debut match against South Korea in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games men’s volleyball competition Sunday at the Park Arena Komaki.

Opening serve of the Pool D match is set at 12 p.m. (Manila time).

The Philippines, in its second straight Asiad appearance, got a shot in the arm after Retamar was given clearance by his Azerbaijan club Ordu Sports Club to heed the call for another tour of duty.

Alas now has eight holdovers from the roster that saw action in the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball Championship including Bryan Bagunas, Marck Espejo, Lloyd Josafat, Leo Ordiales, Buds Buddin, Peng Taguibolos and Josh Ybanez.

“This goes beyond contracts or obligations. When the country calls, you play for something bigger than yourself. I’m grateful to Ordu for allowing me to represent the Philippines, and after the Asian Games, I will return with the same commitment to fulfill my responsibilities to the club,” Retamar said.

The 25-year-old playmaker reunited with the team on Friday.

Although Retamar had only a day to train with the squad, chemistry won’t be much of a problem with his familiarity with the team.