Ybañez eager to learn from FIVB Men's World Championship campaign

RISING STAR. Josh Ybañez is looking forward to showing his best form in the FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship 2025 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena and Smart-Araneta Coliseum set on Sept. 12 to 28, 2025. He is among 21 players in the Alas Pilipinas pool. (Contributed photo)

MANILA – For Josh Ybañez, competing in the FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship 2025 is an opportunity to hone his skills and learn from the experience.

The 5-foot-7 pride of General Santos City, who is among 21 players in the Alas Pilipinas pool, vows to perform well in the 32-nation event set at the SM Mall of Asia Arena and Smart-Araneta Coliseum on Sept. 12 to 28.

"I will just focus on doing my best in every game and learning from each match. That's the only way I can grow," the 22-year-old Ybañez said in a press statement issued by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) on Thursday.

As an outside hitter at the collegiate level, the two-time UAAP champion from the University of Santo Tomas, is used to pressure every time he steps on the court.

"Pressure is constant. It's always there, even if it's not the World Championship. There's always pressure. So, I just embrace it and focus on loving what I do," said Ybañez, who has been embracing a defensive role under Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni.

The SEA V.League Best Libero embraces every moment with focus and determination, letting his passion for the sport guide him through every challenge as Alas Pilipinas prepares for the world meet.

"It's an honor for us to represent the Philippines for the first time at the World Championship, and as they say, this is history. I'm happy, and for sure, I'm going to learn so much from our opponents and from the tournament itself," said Ybañez.

The Philippines will kick off the tournament against Tunisia – match time moved to 4:30 p.m. from the original 6 p.m. – at the MOA Arena, following a festive opening ceremony headlined by K-pop group BOYNEXTDOOR and Cebuana singer-songwriter-actress Karencitta.

Fans can secure their seats for the historic event, which will see Alas Pilipinas face Egypt on Sept. 16 and Iran on Sept. 18, by purchasing tickets online at the official website: https://ift.tt/uRoH2Am.

"I hope all Filipinos will support us, because of course, there are teams like the USA and others that are also favorites among Filipinos. So, I hope they cheer for us too," Ybañez said. (PNA)

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