The Philippines’ hosting of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship was one for the books — made truly unforgettable not only by the epic matches and world-class presentations but, most of all, by the passion of the Filipino fans.
Volleyball-loving Filipinos filled the stands in droves, not just for the games of Alas Pilipinas but also for other participating nations, proving that the global showpiece successfully placed the sport’s best of the best on center stage.
To cap off what FIVB President Fabio Azevedo described as a “10 out of 10” hosting by the Philippines, the gold medal match between eventual back-to-back champion Italy and Bulgaria drew a record-setting crowd of 16,429 fans at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The match marked the most-attended men’s volleyball game in Philippine history, surpassing the previous record of 14,517 during the UAAP Season 87 Finals Game 3 between National University and Far Eastern University last May 17, also at the same venue.
“I’d like to give this tribute to our Filipino fans. Today, I think it’s 16,000. Kung hindi dahil sa fans, hindi magiging successful yung World Championship natin,” said PNVF and AVC President Ramon “Tats” Suzara after the awarding ceremony.
“Maraming salamat sa Filipino fans, sa lahat ng families, at sa lahat ng nanood — for the success of this event.”
National teams also lauded the Philippines for its trademark hospitality. Suzara shared that the top brass from Poland, the host of the 2027 Men’s World Championship, even took notes on how the country staged the tournament.
“The Poland organizers were here. Sabi nila, it’s different — our hospitality. Laging nakangiti, very friendly ang tao. They said Filipinos, from volunteers to media, are always smiling and helpful. So at least one of our strongest assets — our hospitality and hardworking nature — stood out,” Suzara proudly said.
Still, despite all the praise, Suzara is determined to push for even greater heights as the Philippines prepares to host the 2029 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship.
“They say it’s the best ever, unforgettable. But we still need to improve a lot in some areas. I’m sure we can do better,” he said.
