SPORTS patron Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) has served an ace, committing to support and guarantee the country’s successful solo hosting of the FIVB Volleyball Men World Championship set for September 12 to 28 next year.
Pangilinan issued the commitment during a recent meeting at his PLDT office in Makati City with Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Ramon “Tats” Suzara, MVP Sports Foundation president Al. Panlilio and PLDT Business Transformation Group Head and sports leader Ricky Vargas.
“Mr. MVP has once again brought the meaning of sports patron to a superlative level,” Suzara said. “With Mr. MVP’s commitment, the Local Organizing Committee [LOC) will be shifting to higher-gear preparations for the world championship which is a little over a year away.”
The confidence level is consistently increasing on the national men’s team, Alas Pilipinas, which has booked bronze medal finishes in the Southeast Asia Men’s V.League in Manila and Indonesia after being formed barely a month ago.
“Those bronze medals are already milestones for the Philippine men’s volleyball in Southeast Asia,” Suzara said. “The program is working, and we are confident that Alas Pilipinas will make an impact in the world championship.”
The FIVB 2025 will feature the world’s top 32 teams, including the Philippines as host and is initially set at two top venues–Smart Araneta Coliseum and the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The official kickoff will be the draw on September 14 and will be trumpeted by a series of friendly matches between two top Japanese club teams and Alas Pilipinas Men and Women squads on September 7 and 8 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
“We are all excited about this historic hosting because Filipin fans will get the opportunity to witness elite volleyball action from 32 teams,” Suzara said.
Pangilinan is a vital part of the FIVB MWCH LOC Board co-chaired by youthful Presidential son William Vincent “Vinny” Araneta Marcos, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano and Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frascom, with Suzara as president.
With Pangilinan in the LOC Board are Sen. Pia Cayetano, Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann.
