Alas Pilipinas call-up fuels Owa Retamar’s drive after title run

Cignal HD Spikers’ Owa Retamar through the Spikers’ Turf Open Convention Finals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.internet

MANILA, Philippines — Owa Retamar has gained each championship recreation he’s performed in throughout the UAAP, Spikers’ Turf, and V-League as a part of Nationwide College and the Cignal HD Spikers.

READ: Tasked to steer, Owa Retamar powers Cignal to three-peat

In his closing two enjoying years within the UAAP, Retamar was named Finest Setter and Finals MVP twice, main NU to a historic ‘four-peat’ to shut out his collegiate profession.

He additionally steered the Bulldogs to the 2022 V-League Collegiate Problem crown and back-to-back Spikers’ Turf titles below Sta. Elena within the 2022 Open and 2023 Invitational Conferences—each in opposition to Cignal, which ultimately grew to become his membership workforce after faculty.

In his second yr with the Cignal HD Spikers and seventh total championship look, Retamar spelled the distinction in Sport 3 in opposition to fierce rival Criss Cross to clinch the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Convention title two weeks in the past in entrance of a powerful males’s volleyball crowd at Philsports Area.

Cignal HD Spikers after successful the Spikers’ Turf Open Convention title.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.internet

Arguably the winningest participant of his technology, Retamar—who was the beginning setter of the nationwide workforce that gained silver within the 2019 Southeast Asian Video games—has at all times made it some extent to remain grounded.

“I simply really feel actually blessed. And I at all times remind myself, it’s not simply due to me. Lots of people have helped me for the reason that starting—my coaches, teammates, and household. I at all times inform myself that regardless of what number of wins you get, what actually issues is your angle and the way you deal with individuals,” Retamar advised Inquirer Sports activities in Filipino.

Up subsequent: Alas Pilipinas

“Championships come and go, however your values and the respect you present for the sport and others—that’s what ought to have the actual ‘streak.’”

READ: After NU triumph, Owa Retamar now targeted on Alas Pilipinas objective

The following massive problem for the 23-year-old playmaker is main Alas Pilipinas within the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Champions League in Japan subsequent month as a part of their build-up for the historic internet hosting of the FIVB Males’s Volleyball World Championship in September.

“It means lots. I’ve mentioned earlier than that if I ever get referred to as again—if the workforce wants me—I’m greater than prepared to study, particularly from international coaches and new techniques,” Retamar mentioned.

“It seems like a recent begin. And since I used to be already a part of the workforce final yr, I really feel the accountability and satisfaction of representing the nation much more now. It’s extremely inspiring to play for the Philippines once more, and it motivates me to work even more durable, as a result of I do know that is for one thing larger than myself.”

The 2-time Spikers’ Turf Finest Setter is dedicated to persevering with his development regardless of his latest run of success, and is raring to assist develop the game within the nation—particularly males’s volleyball—by inspiring the following technology.

“Proper now, I simply wish to continue to grow—not simply as a participant however as an individual too. I additionally wish to give again, particularly to the following technology of athletes, significantly these from the provinces who, like me, as soon as dreamt of one thing massive,” he mentioned. “If I get the prospect to encourage even just some of them, that already means lots to me.”

Retamar and his workforce at VP World Administration wish to launch Camp Owa to share his abilities with the youngsters from completely different provinces.