Michaelo Buddin and Kim Malabunga make the all-tournament team as Alas Pilipinas take a podium spot in leg 1 of the 2024 SEA V.League.
A new era has unfolded for Alas Pilipinas Men.
For the first time in the brief history of the SEA V.League, the men’s national team took a place at the podium, winning the bronze medal at the end of leg 1 Sunday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
On top of the team bronze medals, Alas Men players likewise took individual awards with Michaelo Buddin and Kim Malabunga making the all-tournament team.
Buddin was named one of the two Best Outside Spikers with Bhinijdee Napadet of Thailand.
Meanwhile, Malabunga was named Best Middle Blocker alongside Indonesia’s Hendra Kurniawan.
[Related: Sans Bryan Bagunas, Alas Pilipinas Men take SEA V.League bronze despite loss to Thailand]
After two fourth-place finishes last year, the Philippines finally scored its first victory in the men’s SEA V.League after Alas Pilipinas took down Vietnam on opening day.
The breakthrough victory ended up being crucial to allow the national team to take the bronze.
Leg 2 of the SEA V.League will be next week in Indonesia.