Joshua Magalaman waited patiently for his opportunity.
On Wednesday, the former De La Salle University middle blocker showed exactly what he could bring to Alas Pilipinas.
Despite the Philippines absorbing a 23‑25, 30‑28, 20‑25, 25‑22, 8‑15 loss to Cambodia to open its 2026 SEA Men’s V.League campaign at the Candon City Arena, Magalaman emerged as one of the Nationals’ biggest bright spots in his senior national team debut.
The 6‑foot‑5 middle blocker led Alas Pilipinas with 21 points, converting 15 of his 22 attack attempts while adding 4 blocks and 2 aces in an impressive all‑around performance.
Even Magalaman admitted he did not expect to finish as the Philippines’ top scorer.
“Ako po mismo nagulat ako. Like, paano ko ’yon nagawa? Tapos, inisip ko na lang, eh, nagagawa ko ’yon kasi ’yon yung tine‑training namin. Yun yung tinuturo sa akin ni Coach Frigoni. Like, bago ako, pero na‑adapt ko yung sistema niya.”
Magalaman Trusts the Alas System
For the 23‑year‑old, the performance was the product of trusting head coach Sergio Veloso Frigoni’s system and embracing the opportunity to represent the country.
“’Yung pinanghahawakan ko po is, syempre, first time po. Parang gusto ko po ipakita sa buong Pilipinas kung ano po yung kaya kong iambag sa Team Philippines po.”
Magalaman transferred to De La Salle ahead of UAAP Season 87 but spent his first year on the sidelines before making his collegiate debut in Season 88. Although his role with the Green Spikers was limited, his performance against Cambodia offered a glimpse of the potential many believed he possessed.
Now wearing the national colors, Magalaman hopes to carry the lessons from his first stint with Alas Pilipinas into the next chapter of his collegiate career.
“Napakalaking experience po ’yung ito. Gagamitin ko po ’to sa mga susunod na liga, Season 89, ganon.”
Jude Garcia added 20 points for the Philippines, while Louie Ramirez contributed 17. Al‑Bukharie Sali and Lirick Mendoza chipped in 10 and 8 points, respectively.
Alas Facing Must-Win Battle
As Alas Pilipinas turns its attention to a must‑win showdown against Indonesia on Friday, Magalaman believes the team already knows what needs to improve after committing 46 unforced errors against Cambodia.
“Siguro po, as a team, parang bawas kami ng error. Kasi doon po kami natalo. Ang daming errors. Tapos, pag nakakapuntos sila at tuloy‑tuloy na, di namin ma‑stop minsan. Yun lang po. Yung errors lang po namin dapat mabawasan.”
