The MVP Group of Companies, led by chairman and staunch sports advocate Manuel V. Pangilinan, has thrown its full support behind the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) for the historic staging of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship Philippines 2025, set from September 12 to 28.
Pangilinan and PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara formalized the landmark partnership on Monday at the Lighthouse in the Meralco Building in Ortigas, marking another major collaboration following their success in hosting the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2023.
“It’s the pleasure of the MVP Group to support the PNVF,” said Pangilinan, bringing along corporate giants PLDT, Smart, Meralco, Metro Pacific Investments, Cignal, and mWell to back the country’s first solo hosting of the men’s volleyball world championship.
“It’s only about two years ago when we hosted the Basketball World Cup, and now, we’re hosting volleyball, as part of our vision to promote the Philippines as a sporting and tourism destination.”
PLDT will serve as the official broadband internet provider, while Cignal TV will be the official broadcast partner of the 32-nation volleyball spectacle — the largest in tournament history.
“We wish the federation well in its hosting duties and reaffirm our support for this world-class event. All the best, Tats,” added Pangilinan, expressing hopes that future volleyball events, including women’s competitions, will further establish the Philippines as a premier sporting hub in the region.
The PNVF has also embraced a Korean touch to elevate its marketing and promotional efforts. During an official visit to Seoul last week, Suzara appointed Jeon Yongjun as Director of Marketing and Public Relations of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship.
“We wish to create opportunities for South Korea in the world of volleyball,” said Suzara, who also serves as president of the Asian Volleyball Confederation and executive vice president of the FIVB. He emphasized that Jeon’s role will be pivotal in implementing Korea’s globally renowned marketing strategies to amplify the event’s visibility.
Jeon’s appointment was facilitated through Choongwon Su, chief development officer of NEOCOLORS P&A Inc., the PNVF’s exclusive advertising and promotions partner for the Korean market.
With Korean pop culture holding massive sway over Filipino consumer behavior, Suzara hinted at bringing a major K-pop group for the opening ceremony — which was recently announced to be BOYNEXTDOOR — to further electrify the tournament’s kickoff on September 12.
“Filipinos are excited to watch the South Korea National Team and will be equally thrilled to welcome Korean brands,” Suzara added, eyeing an expanded reach not only for the sport but for Asian companies seeking visibility among billions of global viewers.
Preparations are in full swing, with the LOC, co-chaired by William Vincent Araneta Marcos, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, and Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, determined to make the 2025 World Championship the biggest volleyball event yet — aiming to surpass the 1.5 billion broadcast reach set by the 2022 edition.
Matches will be held at the iconic Smart Araneta Coliseum and SM Mall of Asia Arena. Host Philippines, led by world No. 57 Alas Pilipinas, will compete in Pool A alongside Iran, Egypt, and Tunisia, making its rousing return to the world stage for the first time since 1971.
South Korea, drawn in Pool C with France, Argentina, and Finland, is also expected to draw a massive Filipino fan base.
Other pools include:
- Pool B: Poland, Netherlands, Qatar, and Romania
- Pool D: USA, Cuba, Portugal, and Colombia
- Pool E: Slovenia, Germany, Bulgaria, and Chile
- Pool F: Defending champion Italy, Ukraine, Belgium, and Algeria
- Pool G: Japan, Canada, Türkiye, and Libya
- Pool H: Brazil, Serbia, Czechia, and China
The PNVF has also lined up a series of promotional events leading up to September, including a 100-day countdown, a Trophy Tour, an International Road Show, a Mascot Contest and Launch, a Media Broadcast Conference, Team Managers’ Meetings, and test events across the Philippines and beyond.
Indie pop-folk band Ben&Ben, with their anthem “Triumph,” will serve as the official music partner of the tournament.
“This event will place the Philippines at the center of the volleyball and sporting world for two to three weeks,” Pangilinan stressed. “It’s a very important event, deserving all the support we can give, alongside the Philippine government. We’d like to see more of these international events that position the Philippines as a true sporting mecca in Asia.”
