MANILA, Philippines — Louie Ramirez wasn’t expecting to start for an Alas Pilipinas team loaded with talented wing spikers led by Marck Espejo.

Nonetheless, Ramirez showed why he got the start with a game-high 25 points in a 25-23, 27-29, 25-21, 25-22 win over Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi in the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals on Tuesday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

READ: Alas Pilipinas off to winning start in Invitationals

Louie Ramirez after his big game against Jakarta. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/uFge1znShb

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) June 10, 2025

“It was such a big moment, especially with Kuya Marck there. I honestly didn’t expect Coach Angiolino to put me in the first six—he only started using me there this morning. So I just told myself, Play well. Make it count,” said Ramirez in Filipino after hammering with 21 kills, three blocks, and an ace.

Ramirez is raring to be part of the country’s historic hosting and participation in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship in September.

The NCAA MVP from the University of Perpetual Help shone the brightest in the UAAP dominant roster, relishing his growth since joining the Alas Pilipinas program under coach Angiolino Frigoni last year.

READ: Alas Pilipinas’ Ken Batas shows readiness with clutch performance

“I think it’s the fighting spirit and skills I’ve developed, especially with everything I’ve learned from Coach Angiolino. He really helped me improve, not just in skills but also in mental toughness,” said Ramirez.

Ramirez also gained valuable experience playing in last month’s AVC Champions League in Japan as well as the squad’s recent training camp in New York.

“We just reminded ourselves why we were there to represent the Philippines. It really helped boost our self-confidence for the upcoming games,” he said.

Ramirez vows to sustain his fine form for the remainder of the four-team tournament. Alas takes on South Korea’s Hyundai Capital Skywalkers on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.