As a gift to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on his 68th birthday on Saturday — and as a gesture of gratitude to Filipino volleyball fans — the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship announced reduced ticket prices for the ongoing world-class event at the SM Mall of Asia Arena and the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“To give back to Filipino volleyball fans on the same day our President celebrated his birthday, it’s only fitting that the LOC and the national volleyball federation offer this gift to the most important stakeholders of the sport—the President and the fans,” said Philippine National Volleyball Federation and LOC president Tats Suzara on Saturday.
“We have a President whose love for sports resonates across the country—not only in volleyball but in all sports, especially grassroots development,” Suzara added, as he also thanked the Philippine Sports Commission, chaired by Pato Gregorio, for championing the goals set by the President for Philippine sports.
President Marcos made the opening ceremony at the SM Mall of Asia Arena even more special by performing the ceremonial serve and personally supporting Alas Pilipinas in its Pool A match against Tunisia in the 32-nation world championship.
“The President showed that he wants Filipinos to enjoy a world-class event, and we are fully supporting that mission,” Suzara said.
Not only did President Marcos show his support, but the First Family as well.
First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos and their sons William Vincent, co-chair of the LOC, and Joseph Simon were seen wearing Alas Pilipinas colors courtside on Friday.
Suzara said the LOC will announce the new ticket prices in time for Sunday’s resumption of pool matches at both the SM Mall of Asia Arena and the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
President Marcos also celebrated his birthday with a festive “Salo-Salo sa Palasyo,” as Malacañang opened the Kalayaan Grounds to the public.
The celebration included a nationwide medical mission and a one-day nationwide distribution of rice at P20 per kilo under the “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” (BBM Na!) initiative.
