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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Volleyball devider FIVB world championship fires off at MOA

FIVB world championship fires off at MOA

Published Sep 12, 2025 07:05 pm

At A Glance

  • The Philippines served as a mecca of the sporting world once more, ushering in the biggest FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship in history with a bang on Friday night, Sept. 12, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Philippines served as a mecca of the sporting world once more, ushering in the biggest FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship in history with a bang on Friday night, Sept. 12, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
President Marcos talks to Alas players before the start of the FIVB World Championship Friday night, Sept. 12, at the MOA Arena in Pasay City. (Mark Balmores/MB)
President Marcos talks to Alas players before the start of the FIVB World Championship Friday night, Sept. 12, at the MOA Arena in Pasay City. (Mark Balmores/MB)
From cultural performances to world-class acts, a festive atmosphere it was before an even bigger storm featuring 32 teams split in eight groups spiking it out in full-swing action starting Saturday at both the MOA Arena and the Smart-Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
“We are sure that the best of volleyball in the world is here. It's the first time that the Men's World Championship is in Southeast Asia and the first time of the World Championship with 32 teams, 32 nations fighting for one glory or one trophy as of today,” said FIVB president Fabio Azevedo.
“For many years, volleyball has been an underdog sport in the Philippines, always in the shadows of another national favorite — basketball. But here we all are: this crowd, this event, this moment — standing at the threshold of a great new era and the dawn of a truly exciting legacy. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas,” added Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio.
The FIVB, PSC and the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) led by Ramon “Tats” Suzara, who also serves as president of the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) and executive VP of FIVB, presented the 32 flags headed by host Philippines to declare the games open in front of thousands of sports-crazed Filipinos.
But the night would not be complete without the extravagant performances of both local and international acts in the Philippines’ historic staging of the world joust organized by Suzara of the  Local Organizing Committee co-chaired by Presidential son William Vincent “Vinny” Araneta Marcos, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco.
They were joined y LOC board members Senator Pia Cayetano and POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.
Up-and-coming K-POP group BOYNEXTDOOR served as the headliner in the mini-concert by serenading the Filipino fans, who came in groves despite a busy and rainy Friday.
Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group then showcased the Filipino heritage and culture on the world stage with the Bruganda Drumline and Dancers as P-POP girl group G22 and Cebuana singer Karencitta added spice with electrifying performances.
The grandiose opening ceremony rolled the red carpet for Alas Pilipinas’ opening game against Tunisia at press time, with the full backing from the entire Philippines.
“To the Philippine team, I wish you the very best of luck on this global stage. But never forget: the real game-changer is what your game is bringing to this country. We cheer for our aces; we call them Alas Pilipinas because they are not just playing for the nation — they are turning the page to a new chapter of sports history, where volleyball will anchor the country's emergence as the beating heart of sports in the Southeast Asian region,” added Gregorio.
The men’s volleyball world conclave, also backed by Rebisco, SM, PLDT, SMART, Metro Pacific Investment, Honda Philippines, Meralco, Sony, Lenovo, LRT Line 2, officially sanctioned by the FIVB, partnered with Volleyball World, Mikasa, the official ball, Mizuno, Gerflor and Senoh Corporation, will run until September 28 as the Philippines hosts the second straight world sporting hosting after the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
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