The Philippines is ready to welcome the world as it plays host for the very first time to the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, set from September 12 to 28 at the Mall of Asia Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The prestigious tournament will gather 32 nations, marking a historic milestone for Philippine volleyball.
“We are ready to make history,” declared Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Ramon “Tats” Suzara during the team’s media day at the National Museum of Natural History in Manila.
“We are days away from history. Let’s make this happen and show the world that the Filipinos are one of the best fans in the world.”
Suzara, who also chairs the Local Organizing Committee alongside William Vincent “Vinny” Araneta Marcos, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, and Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, explained that the team’s symbolic first stop was a tour of the National Museum.
There, Alas Pilipinas Men reflected on the nation’s cultural roots before turning their attention to the global stage.
Team captain Bryan Bagunas, Marck Espejo, and the rest of the national pool spent more than an hour roaming 12 permanent galleries — an experience designed to connect them with history before writing their own.
With Italian champion coach Angiolino Frigoni at the helm, the Filipinos aim to defy expectations in Pool A against world No.13 Iran, No.23 Egypt, and No.42 Tunisia.
“It’s an honor to be part of this historic event. We’re excited to play and show the level and brand of Philippine volleyball on the world stage,” said Espejo, hopeful that their extensive European training camp — where they faced Romania, Morocco, and Portugal — will sharpen them against higher-ranked opponents.
“Sa matagal naming pagsasama sa Europe, nakilala po namin lalo ang isa’t isa. Ready na po kami maglaro para sa bayan. Pangakong gagawin po namin ‘yung best namin hindi lang basta makadikit o makakuha ng set pero para manalo ng games.”
Alas will officially open its campaign against 11-time African champion Tunisia on September 12, with more than 10,000 fans expected to witness the historic moment.
The staging is powered by Rebisco, SM, PLDT, Smart, Metro Pacific Investments, Honda Philippines, Meralco, Sony, Lenovo, and LRT Line 2, sanctioned by the FIVB and supported by Volleyball World, Mikasa, Mizuno, Gerflor, and Senoh Corporation.
Adding to the spectacle, K-pop group BOYNEXTDOOR will headline the opening ceremony, setting the stage for what promises to be volleyball’s biggest edition yet.
