Philippines takes the center stage with FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship opening ceremonies

c/o PNVF

 

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 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

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.

Tickets for the event are available through the official website: https://www.philippineswch2025.com/

Trophy for FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup revealed

The FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup trophy

As the draw for the inaugural edition of the FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup creeps closer, FIFA on Friday revealed the trophy that sixteen nations will be going after for in the Philippines.

The global football entity crafted the design in-house, the trophy, according to them, "encapsulates the energy, precision and creativity of the women’s game." It is set to inspire players and fans alike as it set to take place starting late November.

Taking certain elements from its male counterpart, but it is to have its own personal identity. This piece "embodies the essence of futsal, a high-speed, skill-focused sport." It features two converging bars in gold and silver, symbolizing unity and competition, on a stylised futsal pitch. The curves echo the dynamic flow of the game, underscoring the technical finesse, ball control and teamwork that define elite futsal.

The upcoming ceremony will be the first chance the world will be able to actually see the trophy, which is scheduled to take place inside Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, with the program scheduled to commence at 5pm local time and will be streamed through FIFA.com, as well as through its app, FIFA+.

Hosted by sports presenter Mara Aquino, FIFA representatives, sporting legends, and dignitaries will be around for the proceedings, which will see the teams split into four groups.

All sixteen teams have been allocated into four pots based the latest FIFA Futsal Women's World Rankings released back in late August, save for the Philippines, who has been already slotted into Pot 1 as hosts.

Joining the Filipina5 in the Pot are perceived favorites Brazil, Spain, and Portugal.

Asian contenders Thailand and Japan lead Pot 2, alongside Argentina and Italy.

Meanwhile in Pot 3, Iran will be fielding their first women's team at this level of competition, with Colombia, Poland, and New Zealand.

Completing the field in Pot 4 are Morocco, Canada, Panama, and Tanzania, whose team here will the first time any of their senior sides have reached at this high in the world stage.

Pot 1 teams will be drawn first, with the Philippines automatically designated into Group A as A1. Subsequent teams will then be selected and allocated into the three remaining groups, before restarting the process in the next pot, until all teams have been selected.

FIFA prefers to have as much as possible a diverse group, so it will ensure that no team from the same confederation will be in each group.

The FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup will take place at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City, starting on November 21 and ending on December 7, and fans can already pre-register their interest in securing tickets through FIFA.com/tickets.

Alas Pilipinas ready to kickstart FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship

Bryan Bagunas and Alas Pilipinas are ready

ALL roads lead to Manila as the Philippines for the first time in history stages the prestigious FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship starting on Friday until Sept. 28 at two world-class venues here.

Thirty-two of the best teams on Earth made up of world, VNL and Olympic champions, dark horses and crowd darlings converge on the Philippine shores for the biggest and what’s shaping up to be the greatest edition of the world championship ever with an anticipated breakthrough attendance like never before, especially for the explosive opener at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Serving at the forefront is host and world No. 82 Alas Pilipinas, which has improved leaps and bounds in a full year of build-up under champion Italian mentor Angiolino Frigoni, against 11-time African champion and world No. 42 Tunisia in the lone opening match at 7 p.m.

World-renowned group BOYNEXTDOOR from South Korea, meanwhile, will kickstart the festivities in the grandiose opening ceremony, to be led by Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Ramon “Tats” Suzara and FIVB president Fabio Azevedo, at 4:30 p.m. that will also feature local acts.

“I’m telling to the Filipinos, please come. We need you. As supporters, we need you because we are going to fight together against Tunisia. Don’t let us fight alone,” declared coach Frigoni in a tall order against the Tunisians to open the Pool A action that also includes No. 13 Iran and No. 23 Egypt, the reigning African champion.

Frigoni’s charges roamed around the world, including a productive finale training camp in Europe, to brace for history. And now, it’s up for the taking.

Leading the march are seasoned spikers Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo along with other wingers Leo Ordiales, Michaelo Buddin, Jade Disquitado and Louie Ramirez, as per the final roster announced by the PNVF.

Manning the defense are middle blockers Kim Malabunga, Peng Taguibolos and Lloyd Josafat with coverage from liberos Josh Ybañez, Jack Kalingking and Vince Lorenzo. Ace playmakers Owa Retamar and Eco Adajar will quarterback Frigoni’s offense.

“We have a great balance of veterans who bring experience and leadership, and younger players who bring energy and fresh perspectives,” said Bagunas. “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 in the world stage,” added Espejo.

But as big as the fight of the Alas boys on the court, eyes are also on the entire Philippines as it serves as mecca of the sporting world once again after hosting the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup with the PNVF led by Suzara, also president of the Asian Volleyball Confederation and executive VP of the FIVB, at the centerstage this time around.

“I hope our Alas Pilipinas really play well in front of Filipino fans but most importantly, I hope we could have a good finale here like the women’s world championship in Thailand as we serve as host for the first time ever,” said Suzara, who also leads the world championship’s Local Organizing Committee co-chaired by Presidential son William Vincent “Vinny” Araneta Marcos, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco.

“Let’s make this happen and show the world that the Filipinos are one of the best fans in the world. Mabuhay ang Philippine volleyball.” 

Albeit without star spiker Wassim Ben Tara, Tunisia is expected to be a tough nut to crack for Alas with veteran aces Hamza Nagga and Elyes Karamosli standing on their way in front of more than 10,000 fans for the opener of the world spikefest 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.

The rest of the 32-team field,  led by the big guns in world No. 1 and VNL champion Poland, reigning world titlist Italy (No. 2) and Paris Olympics gold medalist France (No. 4), however, will officially start their campaign starting on Saturday with the 32 squads being split at the MOA Arena and the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Four matches each at the two venues are slated until September 18 for the preliminary phase with the top two teams from the eight groups advancing in the final phase beginning with the Round of 16 at the MOA Arena until the championship.

Other big guns expected to amaze the sports-crazed Filipino crowd are world No. 3 Brazil, No. 5 Japan, No. 6 USA, No. 7 Slovenia, No. 8 Germany, No. 9 Argentina and No. 10 Cuba scattered in different groups.

Tickets for the event are available through the official website: https://www.philippineswch2025.com/

Alas Pilipinas ready for their World Championship moment

Alas Pilipinas

It’s all systems go for Alas Pilipinas in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championships firing off on September 12 to 28 at the Mall of Asia Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

“We are ready to make history,” said Philippine National Volleyball Federation Ramon “Tats” Suzara during the team’s media day on at the National Museum of Natural History in Manila. 

Symbolic of the Alas’ quest for glory and history, the entire national team players and coaches looked back first to their roots for some sorts of motivation at the National Museum with four days to go before duking it out against the world volleyball titans in the country’s monumental hosting of the 32-team spectacle for the first time ever. 

What started it all for the Philippines’ rich culture and history through the eons are displayed at the National Museum of National History. Beginning on Friday against 11-time African champion, Alas will attempt for more glory with more than 10,000 fans expected to be witnesses. 

“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,” added Suzara, who also served as president of the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) and executive vice president of the FIVB. 

Suzara also leads heads the world championship’s Local Organizing Committee co-chaired by Presidential son William Vincent “Vinny” Araneta Marcos, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, explaining Alas’ first pre-event for the world stage was a visit at the National Museum. 

Alas, les by team captain Bryan Bagunas and veteran ace Marck Espejo, roamed around the museum for over an hour to take a trip down memory lane in 12 permanent galleries that exhibit the rich biological and geological diversity of the Philippines. 

And for the Filipino spikers to be mentored by Italian champion coach Angiolino Frigoni, it’s more than enough of a fuel to shoot for glory against all odds in Pool A versus No. 13 Iran, African champion and No. 23 Egypt as well as 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 in the world stage,” said Espejo, hoping to also have their European camp in months work wonders for a well campaign against tougher and higher-ranked opponents. 

“Sa matagal naming pagsasamq sa Europe, nakila 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, which refined its bearings against Romania, Morroco and Portugal, takes on  Tunisia on Sept. 12 in the opening match of the 32-team tourney, the biggest edition in history with support from 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.

An explosive opening ceremony to be headlined by K-POP group BOYNEXTDOOR is also slated to spice up the world competition.

Top teams trickling in for the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship

Korea arrving in the country

With the competition just days away from the start on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena, the teams participating in the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship has made their way to the Philippines.

The latest nation to arrive is South Korea, as the 25th-ranked team in the world has checked in on Saturday, a day after upcoming Alas Pilipinas opponents Iran and Tunisia.

Sunday will see noted fan favorites Slovenia, Poland, Germany arrive, as well as Algeria, while Canada and Turkiye are expected to come in Monday.

Defending champions Italy will be here on Tuesday, alongside Egypt, Qatar, and Ukraine, with Wednesday being the big day, featuring the bulk of the field: Japan, the United States, Netherlands, Czechia, Colombia, Chile, Bulgaria, Libya, Serbia, and Finland.

On the eve of the start of the tournament, Belgium, Brazil, China, Cuba, and France are scheduled to arrive.

Action commences with the opener featuring hosts the Philippines against Tunisia at 430pm, which will then be followed by a lavish opening ceremony featuring Korean group BOYNEXTDOOR.

Alas Pilipinas will then resume Pool A action against Egypt on September 16 and Iran a couple of days later.

In Pool B, top-ranked Poland will face Romania on September 13. The VNL champions are also bracketed with the Netherlands and Qatar, with their matches taking place at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

On the same day and venue, Pool G action takes centerstage with Japan facing Turkiye, preceded by Canada against Libya.

Meanwhile, Slovenia tangles with Chile at the MOA Arena, preceded by Germany against Bulgaria. Opening up action on that day are the Americans against Colombia, followed by Cuba against Portugal in Pool C.

European powerhouse Italy, led by VNL Best Setter Simone Gianelli and Best Outside Hitter Alessandro Michieletto open their campaign on September 14 at the Big Dome against Algeria. Joining both countries are Ukraine and Belgium.

Olympic Champions France kick off their tournament against Korea on the same day at the same venue, with Argentina and Finland comprising Pool C.

The MOA Arena on the other hand, will have Pool H on their plate, as Maique's Brazil faces China, with the other pool match featuring Serbia against Czechia.

Fans can still get tickets for the games through https://www.philippineswch2025.com.

The 2025 edition of the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship is organized by Ramon "Tats" Suzara, who is both the president of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) and the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC). It is supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, PAGCOR, Office of the President, and Philippine Olympic Committee and 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.

Asian Volleyball headquarters opened in Bangkok

AVC and PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara (center) and PSC chairman Patrick “Patò” Gregorio (second from left) lead the toast with (from left) Thailand Volleyball Association president Somporn Chaibangyang and National Olympic Committee of Thailand secretary-general Thana Chaiprasit and FIVB president Fabio Azevedo. Photo shared from the PNVF.

With the eyes of the world of volleyball gazed towards Southeast Asia, the Asian Volleyball Confederation inaugurated its new headquarters in Bangkok on Friday.

In presenting its new home, called the Asian Volleyball (AVC) House, AVC president Ramon Suzara says, "This is the home of Asia volleyball now and it easy for us to work around here with the success of volleyball in Southeast Asia."

He adds, "All volleyball stakeholders are welcome especially in Asia, volleyball fans ,too, universities and club teams, and of course we are open to many sports stakeholders."

The facility is a two-storey mansion within a 2,800-square meter lot in the Khet Saphan Sung district of the Thai capital. 

With the FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship entering its final couple of days, many of the who's who in the sport were present for the special occasion, led by the last two presidents of the FIVB, incumbent Fabio Azevedo, and predecessor Ary Graça. Suzara's predecessor at the AVC, Rita Subowo, was also there. Joining them in leading the toast are top Thai officials in Thailand Volleyball Association president Somporn Chaibangyang, as well as Thailand NOC secretary-general Thana Chaiprasit.

Azevedo shares, "I’m extremely happy and proud of our volleyball leadership in Asia led by president Ramon Suzara, the volleyball Asia house is magnificent and amazing... What a great place to be the hub of volleyball in Asia and we are moving ‘together as one’ as what’ president Suzara said."

Aside from Suzara, leading the Filipino delegation at the event are PNVF secretary-general Donaldo Caringal, with Candon City mayor Eric Singson and Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio gracing the proceedings also. The Ilocos Sur city has launched a bid for the AVC Women's Cup, which takes place next year.

The Women's Championship is already in their semifinal phase, with Turkiye, Italy, Japan, and Brazil tangling on Saturday afternoon, with the medal matches coming the next day.

As for the Men's Championship, it is set to commence next week, September 12, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, featuring hosts Philippines and Tunisia as the opening matchup. Tickets for the tournament are still available at https://www.philippineswch2025.com.

Ybanez ready to take on the rest of the world

Josh Ybañez

Fueled by his love for the game and a relentless drive to improve, Josh Ybañez sets aside the pressure as he pursues the golden opportunity to represent the Philippines in Alas Pilipinas’ historic campaign at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.

As a 5-foot-7 outside hitter at the collegiate level, pressure has always followed Ybañez like a shadow every time he steps on the court.

“Pressure is constant,” said the two-time UAAP MVP from University of Santo Tomas, who has been embracing a defensive role under Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni.

“It’s always there, even if it’s not the World Championship. There’s always pressure. So I just embrace it and focus on loving what I do.”

But for the SEA V.League Best Libero, the chance to represent the Philippines — on one of volleyball’s grandest stages and before a roaring home crowd — is too exhilarating to be weighed down by it.

Returning to his natural role as a libero, the 22-year-old pride of General Santos embraces every moment with focus and determination, letting his passion for the sport guide him through every challenge as Alas Pilipinas prepares for the world meet.

“It’s an honor for us to represent the Philippines for the first time at the World Championship, and as they say, this is history. I’m happy, and for sure, I’m going to learn so much from our opponents and from the tournament itself,” said Ybañez.

Ybañez is among 21 players in the Alas Pilipinas pool, all competing for a spot in the Final 14 for the 32-nation World Championship set from September 12 to 28 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena and Araneta Coliseum.

The Philippines will kick off the tournament against Tunisia—match tine moved to 4:30 pm from the original 6pm—at the MOA Arena, following a festive opening ceremony headlined by K-pop group BOYNEXTDOOR and Cebuana singer-songwriter-actress Karencitta.

Fans can secure their seats for the historic event, which will see Alas Pilipinas face Egypt on September 16 and Iran on September 18, by purchasing tickets online at the official website: https://www.philippineswch2025.com.

For Ybañez, the World Championship is more than just a chance to play — it is an opportunity to test himself against the world’s best, learning from every experience to grow and sharpen his game.

“I will just focus on doing my best in every game and learning from each match. That’s the only way I can grow,” he said.

“I hope all Filipinos will support us, because of course, there are teams like the USA and others that are also favorites among Filipinos. So I hope they cheer for us too.”