In a grand display of support for the global volleyball community, the esteemed First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos will take center stage at the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Men’s Week 3 Pasay City leg.
With her poised presence and love for sports, Mrs. Marcos will perform the ceremonial first serve.
This prestigious event is scheduled to commence on July 4 at the state-of-the-art SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The highly anticipated opening match will feature a clash between world No. 7 Japan and No. 25 China.
As the enthusiastic crowd gathers to witness this momentous occasion, the organizers are honored to have the esteemed First Lady, Atty. Liza Marcos, inaugurate the VNL with her impactful serve.
“We are honored with the First Lady, Atty. Liza Marcos, making the first serve in the VNL,” Phililppine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara said. “Her presence is greatly appreciated and will definitely boost the VNL and the country on the global volleyball stage.”
While Mrs. Marcos has carved a successful career as a seasoned lawyer, her connection to the world of sports runs deep. She draws inspiration from her late father, Manuel Araneta, who represented the national basketball team in the 1948 Summer Olympics held in London.
Now, continuing in her father’s footsteps, Mrs. Marcos embraces the opportunity to contribute to the growth and recognition of volleyball in the Philippines.
The opening day of the VNL Men’s Week 3 promises to be a thrilling affair, with world No. 2 Brazil locking horns with No. 4 Italy in the first match at 3 p.m. On the same day, the battle between No. 17 Canada and No. 12 Netherlands will captivate fans, while the highly anticipated encounter between No. 1 Poland and No. 9 Slovenia is set to ignite the court at 7 p.m. on July 5.
This tournament showcases the elite prowess of eight of the world’s top-ranked men’s teams, a rare sight on Philippine soil.
The prestigious lineup includes former Olympic gold medalists No. 1 Poland and No. 2 Brazil, along with formidable teams such as No. 9 Slovenia, No. 12 The Netherlands, No. 15 Canada, and No. 25 China. Volleyball enthusiasts can secure their tickets for this unforgettable event through Ticketnet, with every purchase of Patron Front Row and VIP On Court tickets earning an exclusive VNL shirt.
The opening ceremony will also be graced by Philippine Olympic Committee President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Richard Bachmann, and Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto Rubiano.
