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 received 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 remaining two enjoying years within the UAAP, Retamar was named Greatest 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 underneath Sta. Elena within the 2022 Open and 2023 Invitational Conferences—each in opposition to Cignal, which finally grew to become his membership crew after school.

In his second yr with the Cignal HD Spikers and seventh general championship look, Retamar spelled the distinction in Recreation 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 robust males’s volleyball crowd at Philsports Area.

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

Arguably the winningest participant of his era, Retamar—who was the beginning setter of the nationwide crew that received silver within the 2019 Southeast Asian Video games—has at all times made it a degree 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 because the starting—my coaches, teammates, and household. I at all times inform myself that irrespective of what number of wins you get, what actually issues is your perspective and the way you deal with folks,” Retamar informed 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 true ‘streak.’”

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

The following huge 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 rather a lot. I’ve mentioned earlier than that if I ever get referred to as again—if the crew wants me—I’m greater than keen to study, particularly from overseas coaches and new programs,” Retamar mentioned.

“It looks like a recent begin. And since I used to be already a part of the crew final yr, I really feel the duty and delight 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 tougher, as a result of I do know that is for one thing greater than myself.”

The 2-time Spikers’ Turf Greatest Setter is dedicated to persevering with his progress regardless of his current run of success, and is keen to assist develop the game within the nation—particularly males’s volleyball—by inspiring the following era.

“Proper now, I simply need to continue to grow—not simply as a participant however as an individual too. I additionally need to give again, particularly to the following era of athletes, significantly these from the provinces who, like me, as soon as dreamt of one thing huge,” he mentioned. “If I get the prospect to encourage even only a few of them, that already means rather a lot to me.”

Retamar and his crew at VP International Administration need to launch Camp Owa to share his abilities with the youngsters from completely different provinces.