For the longest time, men’s volleyball in the Philippines has lived on the margins, overshadowed by other, more celebrated sports.
But on this night, under the bright lights of the SM Mall of Asia Arena, it was impossible to ignore.
The best of the best in the world had arrived on the country’s shores, and the sport long overlooked suddenly owned the spotlight with the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship finally making its much-anticipated opening in Manila on Friday night.
“For many years, volleyball has been an underdog sport in the Philippines, always in the shadows of another national favorite — basketball. But here we all are: this crowd, this event, this moment — standing at the threshold of a great new era and the dawn of a truly exciting legacy. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!” said Philippine Sports Commission chairman Pato Gregorio.
“To the Philippine team, I wish you the very best of luck on this global stage. But never forget: the real game-changer is what your game is bringing to this country,” he continued.
“We cheer for our aces; we call them Alas Pilipinas because they are not just playing for the nation — they are turning the page to a new chapter of sports history, where volleyball will anchor the country’s emergence as the beating heart of sports in the Southeast Asian region.”
And with history unfolding, the celebration began in spectacular fashion — bursts of red and blue lights erupted across the 15,000-seater arena, signaling the start of a spectacle never before seen in the tournament’s rich history.
The booming rhythm of DJ Tom Taus’ signature live electronic drums, fused seamlessly with pulsating dance beats as he wove classic OPM hits into his set — a masterful blend of nostalgia and modern energy that served as the perfect prelude to the spectacle that followed.
From there, Filipino culture took center stage.
The Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group graced the arena with a dazzling showcase of traditional dances, their movements echoing the country’s rich heritage.
Their performance then flowed seamlessly into the thunderous cadence of the Buganda Drumline and Dancers, whose explosive beats and electrifying choreography filled the arena with unrelenting energy.
Keeping the energy surging, up-and-coming P-pop girl group G22 stormed the stage with their powerful vocals and fierce choreography.
Known as the “female alphas of P-pop,” the trio brought a modern, youthful edge to the program, their performance bridging the country’s cultural pride with its fast-rising contemporary sound.
A sudden jolt of energy surged through the arena as Cebuana singer-songwriter Karencitta took the stage, performing the tournament’s official anthem Electrify, coinciding with the grand parade of flags from the 32 competing nations.
The night then reached its crescendo with the arrival of South Korean boy band BOYNEXTDOOR, the evening’s most anticipated act.
As the six-member group stepped onto the stage, the arena — nearly half-filled by their fandom, OneDoor — erupted into a chorus of cheers, their polished vocals and dynamic choreography sending waves of excitement that rippled through the crowd.
With every beat and every move, the group commanded the spotlight, their performance sealing the opening ceremony as a spectacle worthy of the historic stage it heralded.
“We are sure that the best of volleyball in the world is here. It’s the first time that the Men’s World Championship is in Southeast Asia. First time of the World Championship with 32 teams, 32 nations fighting for one glory or one trophy as of today,” said FIVB president Fabio Azevedo.
The stage is set, and home bet Alas Pilipinas will have the opportunity to showcase — not just to their fellow Filipinos, but to the entire world — that the Philippines is ready to stand tall and compete among volleyball’s elite when they face world No.43 Tunisia later at 7:00 PM.
And for a sport that has long struggled for recognition on home soil, tonight marks not just the start of a tournament, but the chance to finally claim its rightful place in the nation’s sporting spotlight.
