NAGOYA — Alas Pilipinas Men opened its campaign in the 20th Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games with a 25-16, 27-25, 25-22 loss to South Korea on Sunday at Park Arena Komaki.

But for team captain Bryan Bagunas, the defeat was only part of the challenges confronting the squad.

“Medyo marami kaming errors talaga. Kailangan naming i-manage ang errors namin,” Bagunas said.

The Philippines struggled to close out sets, with South Korea capitalizing on crucial points to secure the straight-set victory.

“Nandoon na eh. Siguro ‘yung finishing lang. Doon kami nagkakamali kapag patapos na ‘yung set. Need naming i-manage ‘yung errors,” he said.

Bagunas also cited the team’s limited preparation, noting that they had trained with Joshua Retamar for only two days ahead of the Asian Games.

“Siguro isa ‘yung serving namin… two days pa lang kami training with Owa [Retamar],” Bagunas said.

Despite the setback, Bagunas encouraged the younger players to treat the Asian Games as an opportunity to gain valuable international exposure, particularly for those hoping to play professionally overseas.

“Sabi namin, itong Asian Games, malaking tulong para sa amin, lalo na para sa mga bata. Exposure na rin nila,” he said. “Kung makakapaglaro overseas as import, makikita sila dito.”

Bagunas said he continued to motivate his teammates to persevere, while expressing hope for stronger support for the team in the future.

“So ‘yun na lang sinasabi ko sa kanila. Minomotivate ko na lang sila na laban lang natin ito, and sana in the future, mas okay ‘yung suporta na darating sa amin. Tuloy-tuloy lang.”

Despite the opening-game loss, Bagunas made sure to thank the Filipino fans who traveled to Japan to cheer for the team.

“Talagang nagpapasalamat kami sa lahat ng fans na pumunta pa dito sa Japan para suportahan kami. Talagang hindi namin nararamdaman na walang suporta from the fans. Nandiyan kayo, manalo o matalo,” he said.