President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. graced the historic opening day of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025, which the Philippines is proudly hosting for the first time, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Friday.
Marcos Jr. made the ceremonial first serve ahead of the tournament’s curtain-raiser between home team Alas Pilipinas and Tunisia.
Before the match, the President also delivered an encouraging pep talk to the national squad before they faced the formidable North African side.
Alas Pilipinas, currently ranked No.82 in the world, is set for an uphill battle in Pool A of the biennial global competition.
They are grouped with powerhouse No.13 Iran, No.23 Egypt, and No.43 Tunisia.
The 32 participating nations have been divided into eight pools, with Pools A, D, E, and H scheduled to play at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Meanwhile, Pools B, C, F, and G will see action at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Also in attendance at the opener were FIVB President Fabio Azevedo, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Pato Gregorio, and Philippine Olympic Committee President Bambol Tolentino, alongside other distinguished guests.
