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| PNVF President Ramon "Tats" Suzara with Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco (left, seated) and PH Sports Commission Chairman Richard Bachmann (right, seated) during the 2nd Inter-Agency Meeting on the Philippines' historic hosting of the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship 2025 (Image Source: Sports Bytes Philippines/Philippine National Volleyball Federation) |
With just months to go before the Philippines hosts the highly anticipated FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025, key government agencies gathered to ensure seamless preparations for the global tournament. The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) held the second Inter-Agency Meeting last March 3, 2025 at the GSIS Conference Hall in Pasay City with representatives from over 20 government and private institutions participating in the discussion. The meeting focused on major updates surrounding the historic event, which will take place on September 12-28, 2025 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum.
PSC Chairman Richard Bachmann, who leads the Inter-Agency Task Force for the tournament, assured that the government is fully committed to making the event a success, stating, “The full support of the government is guaranteed for this historic and world-class event.” Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) President Ramon “Tats” Suzara echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that preparations are progressing smoothly. “It’s all systems go, and the preparations are going on smoothly,” said Suzara. Recognizing the championship’s impact on tourism and local businesses, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco actively participated in the meeting. The event is expected to bring an influx of international teams, officials, and fans, boosting the country’s tourism sector. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will ensure that infrastructure and road networks around the competition venues are ready to accommodate the expected increase in traffic. Various national agencies and local government units are also reaffirming their commitment to the tournament’s success. Among those present were representatives from the Philippine National Police (PNP), ensuring security and public safety; Department of Health (DOH), providing health protocols and emergency response plans; Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), facilitating visas and international coordination; Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), boosting economic opportunities linked to the event; Bureau of Immigration and Bureau of Customs, handling foreign team entries and logistics; and the cities of Pasay, Manila, Taguig, and Quezon City — home to the tournament’s key venues. The FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025 will be the biggest volleyball event the country has hosted, solidifying the Philippines’ position as a rising hub for international sports competitions. The tournament’s successful execution will also pave the way for future world-class events in the country. “This is not just about volleyball — it’s about showcasing the Philippines as a capable global sporting destination,” said Suzara.
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| Shown here during the launching of the Official Music Partner and Ambassadors for the PH's historic hosting of the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship 2025 at The Vault in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City: (L-R) Ben&Ben, Federation International de Volleyball (FIVB) Executive Vice President and Asian Volleyball Confederation President Ramon “Tats” Suzara, Senator Pia Cayetano, FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025 Local Organizing Committee Co-Chairman William Vincent Marcos, PNVF Chairman Emeritus Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, Philippine national volleyball team members Eya Laure and Bryan Bagunas (Image Source: Tiebreaker Times/Philippine National Volleyball Federation) |
Meanwhile, the PNVF has officially announced that Filipino volleyball stars Eya Laure and Bryan Bagunas have been named Official Ambassadors while popular Filipino music band Ben&Ben has been introduced as the Official Music Partner. Their participation in promoting the country's historic hosting was formally unveiled at the official launch event recently held at The Vault in BGC (Bonifacio Global City) in Taguig City, signaling the six-month countdown to the world-class tournament. As Official Ambassadors, Laure and Bagunas will take part in a series of promotional events in the lead-up to the 32-team world championship. These events will include am International Road Show, Mascot Contest and Launch, Trophy Tour, Media Broadcast Conference, Team Managers Meeting, a Test Event, and a 100-Day Countdown Event on June. Laure, a PVL (Premier Volleyball League) standout and former UST Lady Tigresses star, expressed her excitement about promoting Philippine volleyball on the world stage, saying, “It is such an honor to be one of the ambassadors. This event will help volleyball gain more recognition in the country, and we are bringing in the best teams in the world. I am also excited that the ALAS men’s team will be part of this.” Bagunas, a former UAAP and Spikers’ Turf MVP, echoed her sentiments, highlighting how hosting a world championship will benefit Philippine volleyball. “We are grateful to the PNVF for making this happen. This is a huge opportunity for Philippine volleyball. We will learn a lot from this experience, and it is our chance to showcase our own talent,” said Bagunas. The Philippines is grouped in Group A, alongside Tunisia, Egypt, and Iran, in what promises to be a competitive bracket. Bagunas, who is currently recovering from a left knee injury, remains focused on regaining full fitness in time for the tournament. Meanwhile, Ben&Ben's song “Triumph” is set to serve as the official tournament anthem throughout the countdown and competition. Suzara emphasized the importance of the song in setting the tone for the tournament, stating, “We are lucky and proud to have Ben&Ben. The song ‘Triumph’ perfectly fits volleyball and reflects the passion of Filipinos for both sports and music.” Ben&Ben’s Paolo Guico expressed the band’s excitement over being part of the historic event, saying, “We at Ben&Ben are happy and proud to be the official music partner for this tournament. ‘Triumph’ is a song that embodies passion and perseverance, which is what volleyball and sports are all about.” The song was originally released as a pre-release single from Ben&Ben’s third album “The Traveller Across Dimensions” and has since become an anthem for empowerment, resilience, and hope.
The tournament will be a milestone for Philippine volleyball, marking the first time the country will host the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship and only its second appearance since the 1974 edition in Mexico. Suzara stated, “Let’s get it going. Let us work together and make this the best hosting ever.” The Men’s World has begun ramping up preparations. Among the key figures from the Men's World Championship Local Organizing Committee Executive Board at the launch event were PNVF Chairman Emeritus and Executive Board Co-William Vincent “Vinny” Araneta Marcos and Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano. Senator Alan emphasized that this event is bigger than just volleyball, saying, “What we are doing here is more than just a sporting event. It is a chance to showcase the Philippines to the world.” Cayetano said. Senator Pia echoed his sentiments, emphasizing the country’s growing status as a global sports host following the success of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, the Philippine national women’s football team’s FIFA Women’s World Cup debut, and the upcoming 2025 FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup. She said, “It took a long time for Philippine volleyball to reach this stage. This is a world championship, not just a regional or Asian competition. We have the opportunity to make this a historic hosting.” With preparations in full swing and strong government backing as well as an official music partner and promotional ambassadors, the Philippines is set to deliver an unforgettable edition of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025, a landmark event that will elevate Philippine volleyball to new heights.
