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

Cignal HD Spikers’ Owa Retamar during the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Finals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Owa Retamar has won every championship game he’s played in across the UAAP, Spikers’ Turf, and V-League as part of National University and the Cignal HD Spikers.

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

In his final two playing years in the UAAP, Retamar was named Best Setter and Finals MVP twice, leading NU to a historic ‘four-peat’ to close out his collegiate career.

He also steered the Bulldogs to the 2022 V-League Collegiate Challenge crown and back-to-back Spikers’ Turf titles under Sta. Elena in the 2022 Open and 2023 Invitational Conferences—both against Cignal, which eventually became his club team after college.

In his second year with the Cignal HD Spikers and seventh overall championship appearance, Retamar spelled the difference in Game 3 against fierce rival Criss Cross to clinch the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference title two weeks ago in front of a strong men’s volleyball crowd at Philsports Arena.

Cignal HD Spikers after winning the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference title.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Arguably the winningest player of his generation, Retamar—who was the starting setter of the national team that won silver in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games—has always made it a point to stay grounded.

“I just feel really blessed. And I always remind myself, it’s not just because of me. A lot of people have helped me since the beginning—my coaches, teammates, and family. I always tell myself that no matter how many wins you get, what really matters is your attitude and how you treat people,” Retamar told Inquirer Sports in Filipino.

Up next: Alas Pilipinas

“Championships come and go, but your values and the respect you show for the game and others—that’s what should have the real ‘streak.’”

READ: After NU triumph, Owa Retamar now focused on Alas Pilipinas goal

The next big challenge for the 23-year-old playmaker is leading Alas Pilipinas in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Champions League in Japan next month as part of their build-up for the historic hosting of the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship in September.

“It means a lot. I’ve said before that if I ever get called back—if the team needs me—I’m more than willing to learn, especially from foreign coaches and new systems,” Retamar said.

“It feels like a fresh start. And because I was already part of the team last year, I feel the responsibility and pride of representing the country even more now. It’s incredibly inspiring to play for the Philippines again, and it motivates me to work even harder, because I know this is for something bigger than myself.”

The two-time Spikers’ Turf Best Setter is committed to continuing his growth despite his recent run of success, and is eager to help grow the sport in the country—especially men’s volleyball—by inspiring the next generation.

“Right now, I just want to keep growing—not just as a player but as a person too. I also want to give back, especially to the next generation of athletes, particularly those from the provinces who, like me, once dreamt of something big,” he said. “If I get the chance to inspire even just a few of them, that already means a lot to me.”

Retamar and his team at VP Global Management are looking to launch Camp Owa to share his skills with the kids from different provinces.