WITH Cignal HD Spikers Josh Umandal, JM Ronquillo and Vince Malinao trumpeting the coming 2025 FIVB Men’s World Volleyball Championship, Laoag City made a strong statement of support for the prestigious tournament during the “Set Na Natin ‘To Trophy and Mascot Tour” at the newly-opened SM City-Laoag last Saturday.
The well-attended tour—which started at SM Seaside Cebu two Saturdays ago and culminates this Saturday at the SM Downtown Cagayan de Oro—went beyond the mall’s walls to the Dap-Ayan Park, where Block Builders, behind MVP John Paul Lorenzo, won a mini-tournament over three other Ilocos Norte teams – North Western University, Laoag Men’s Team and Pasuquin in a mini-tournament specifically staged for the event.
“We are very thankful to the City of Laoag and the Province of Ilocos Norte for the warm welcome and enthusiastic support for the world championships,” said Ramon “Tats” Suzara, president of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation and Asian Volleyball Confederation.
The world championships kick off with the Philippines-Tunisia match at 6 p.m. on September 12 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, followed by a first-of-kind opening ceremony featuring K-Pop group Boynextdoor.
The 32-nation world championship is scheduled until September 28 and tickets are available at the official website https://www.philippineswch2025.com/.
PNVF Charter Member Faivo Bartolome, who also heads the Ilocos Norte volleyball association, and his fellow Ilocos Norte Provincial Sports Consultant Joseph Co helped organize the event graced by Laoag City Vice Mayor Carlos Fariñas
Joining the event, where official mascots KidLat and Hataw also regaled the crowd, were Senior Tourism Operations Officer Bon Derryl Pugal representing Department of Tourism OIC-Regional Director Evangeline Dadat and Senior Tourism Operations Officer, as well as SM City Laoag’s Engr. Gian Carlo Quiaoit and Assistant Mall Manager and Laoag City Volleyball Grassroots player Shainnah Althea Gubac and coach Joshua Manzanas.
