For Jian Salarzon and Rodge Alejos, Friday marked more than just another volleyball match.
It was the realization of a dream.
The Ateneo Blue Eagles teammates not only cracked the Alas Pilipinas roster for the first leg of the 2026 SEA Men’s V Cup but also found themselves in the starting lineup against defending AVC Men’s Nations Cup champion Indonesia.
Despite the Philippines bowing to Indonesia, 25-20, 25-23, 27-25, at the Candon City Arena, both Blue Eagles made the most of their opportunity on the international stage.
Salarzon finished with 8 points, while Alejos added 6, including the Philippines’ lone service ace of the match.
Salarzon, Alejas Share Memorable Experience
For Salarzon, wearing the national colors for the first time was an experience he will carry with him long after the tournament.
“Ngayon lang yung nabigyan ako ng chance maglaro sa national team. Sobrang happy ako and sobrang grateful ako sa opportunity na binigay sa akin, lalo na magagamit ko yung mga experience dito sa mga upcoming games pa namin sa UAAP,” said Salarzon, who is set to return to Ateneo for his final year of eligibility in UAAP Season 89.
Alejos shared the same gratitude after making his senior national team debut.
“I mean, grabe, parang privilege talaga makasama sa Alas team, and thankful ako kay God kasi without Him…”
Both admitted they did not expect to be part of the starting six but credited head coach Angiolino Frigoni’s training sessions for preparing them when their names were called.
“Hindi ko talaga in-expect kasi si Coach Frigoni, nagbi-base sa training. Ang ginawa ko lang is focus lang ako sa training, and binigay ko yung best ko once I was called na mag-start today. Confident naman ako since we had our training camp here early, and ayun nga with the confidence, nakapag-perform naman,” Alejos said.
Salarzon echoed the same mindset.
“Siguro yung mga sinasabi lang ni Coach sa training, especially during training, sinasabi niya na lahat ng kung ano yung kailangang gawin, puwedeng i-apply sa game. Yun lang din yung naging mindset ko na lahat ng maibibigay na bola sa akin, lagi ko lang gawin yung mga sinasabi niya sa akin.”
Alas Pilipinas Youth Movement
The Ateneo pair is among several newcomers in a youthful Alas Pilipinas squad, with only five players on the roster bringing previous senior national team experience.
Although the Philippines’ loss to Indonesia ended its medal hopes in the tournament, Salarzon and Alejos view the experience as an important step in their development ahead of UAAP Season 89.
The second leg of the Southeast Asian Men’s V Cup is scheduled from July 22 to 26 in Jakarta, Indonesia, where both hope to continue building on their national team experience.
For Alejos, sharing the moment with his longtime Ateneo teammate made the occasion even more memorable.
“Grabe, hindi ko rin ine-expect na magsasabay kami mag-start ni Jian, and I’m very proud of him. I’m sure he’s proud of me for a milestone na we achieved today.”
