Bryan Bagunas not only claimed the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference title with the Cignal HD Spikers, but he also captured his first championship on home soil since 2019.
After putting the exclamation point on a well-fought battle inside the jam-packed Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Friday night, Bryan Bagunas could not keep a tight rein on his emotions, throwing both of his hands in the air and letting out a triumphant roar.
Bagunas had just clinched Cignal's title defense in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, leading the HD Spikers to victory over the Criss Cross King Crunchers in Game Two of the Finals.
(READ: Bryan Bagunas, Cignal sweep Criss Cross, retain crown in Open Conference)
For a well-traveled player who's earned much of his recent success overseas, Bagunas found this win particularly meaningful. The gold medal on his home soil brought a unique sense of happiness and fulfillment, particularly after winning his first domestic championship since 2019.
“Siyempre iba pa rin, iba pa rin ‘yung nag champion ka sa sarili mong bansa,” Bagunas gushed.
To make things even sweeter for Bagunas, the high-flying outside hitter also earned the Finals MVP, adding yet another accolade to his growing list of achievements.
However, the recognition is about more than just the awards and trophies for the former NU star — it's about repaying the trust and support that Cignal has shown him.
“Siyempre ako sobrang saya. Siyempre hindi lang naman ako tumulong sa kanila, tinulungan din nila ako. Siguro sobrang laking bagay na kahit maiksi palang ‘yung time na kasama sila, nandoon sila para i-guide rin ako sa loob and i-guide sila,” Bagunas said.
“Malaking bagay ‘yung connection namin siguro kaya naging maayos performance namin this Finals.”
To cap off such a memorable night, Bagunas expressed his satisfaction with the growing interest in Philippine men's volleyball.
“Kasi isa, nakikita mo ‘yung mga fans na nandito na sumusuporta sa men’s volleyball and nakikita ko ‘yung growth ng men’s volleyball dito sa Pilipinas. Sobrang nakakatuwa at nakaka-proud,” Bagunas said.
As for what's next for Bagunas, he vows to keep his committments, especially for his country.
“After this pupunta ako sa Taiwan ulit may tournament kami doon, so lipad muna ako sa Taiwan for the tournament then balik ako dito for the national team,” Bagunas said.