Joshua Magalaman came to the 2026 SEA Men’s V Cup hoping to prove he belonged.
Four matches later, he left Candon as one of the brightest discoveries for Alas Pilipinas.
The 6-foot-5 middle blocker emerged as the Philippines’ most consistent performer throughout the tournament, scoring in double figures in all three of the team’s matches and capping his impressive campaign with 12 points in Alas Pilipinas’ 25-21, 28-26, 25-22 sweep of Myanmar to finish fifth.
Magalaman Grateful for Fans’ Support
For Magalaman, the individual success meant little without the support he received from Filipino volleyball fans, who flocked to him after the match for photos and autographs.
“Sobrang thankful po ako sa mga tao dito kasi ngayon ko lang po naranasan ‘yung ganitong treatment sa akin. Ngayon lang po ako naging ganito, so sobrang happy po ako. Thank you po sa support.”
The De La Salle University middle blocker first turned heads in the tournament opener, erupting for 21 points against Cambodia before following it up with 13 against Indonesia. He closed out the competition with another double-digit outing against Myanmar, firmly establishing himself as one of the cornerstones of the youthful Alas Pilipinas squad.
Angiolino Frigoni Unsurprised by Magalaman’s Breakout
His emergence came as little surprise to head coach Angiolino Frigoni.
The veteran Italian revealed he had wanted Magalaman in the national team setup as early as two years ago, believing the middle blocker possessed the qualities to thrive on the international stage.
“I saw Magalaman two years ago, and I wanted him for the national team. But there were some problems, so I couldn’t get him. As soon as I could, I got him.”
For Magalaman, Frigoni’s belief carried extra meaning.
After seeing limited opportunities during his early years at De La Salle, the 23-year-old said finally earning the coach’s trust made his breakthrough even more rewarding.
“Kanina nga po, after ng game, niyakap ko po siya kasi sobrang thankful po ako sa kanya kasi noong hindi ako nagamit last season, tapos hindi pa ako na-line up noong last-last season. Parang inantay niya po talaga ako. Grabe ‘yung trust ni Coach Frigoni sa akin, so sobrang thankful po ako sa kanya.”
Confidence Booster for Future Battles
While the Philippines fell short of a podium finish, Magalaman believes the tournament gave the young squad something equally valuable—confidence.
With the second leg set in Jakarta just days away, he is confident Alas Pilipinas can build on the lessons learned in Candon.
“Napakalaking confidence para sa team kasi alam namin ‘yung kaya naming gawin. Alam namin ‘yung dapat na naming gawin sa next tournament po.”
Magalaman arrived in Candon as one of the newest faces on the national team.
He leaves as one of its brightest young stars—and perhaps one of the biggest reasons for optimism as Alas Pilipinas continues to build toward the future.
