All set for world men’s volley tourney

The Philippines’ top sports executives gathered to rally fans at the Mall of Asia Arena Music Hall as the country shifted into overdrive with just a month to go before the opening of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025.

Top Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) executives were joined by Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio on Wednesday in lauding the event partners, from the members of the diplomatic corps, working staff to benefactors, volunteers and fans, for getting the country on track with a month to go before the elite sports meet.

Signifying ownership, belief and readiness, the officials sounded the battle cry “Set Na Natin ’To” as the country gears up to host the 32-team tournament featuring the big four of defending champion Italy, world No. 1 and Volleyball Nations League titlist Poland, Brazil and Slovenia from 12 to 28 September at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and Mall of Asia Arena.

“Volleyball fans, we are very grateful. We’ve poured everything into this, battled through every obstacle to deliver this event, and we expect to see you all during the matches,” the federation said in a statement.

“The world’s big four will be here. Our Alas Pilipinas is grinding it out to be worthy to take this floor. Join us for 17 days of top-level volleyball.”

Eya Laure of Alas Pilipinas Women led the oath-taking of the volunteers as team captain Jia de Guzman, recently-awarded SEA VLeague Best Libero Justine Jazareno, Dell Palomata and other members of Alas Pilipinas Women were also on hand to help stir fan enthusiasm.

Hundreds of fans joined various activities organized by the different national teams and benefactors at the Mall of Asia Music Hall as well as representatives from the embassies of the 31 nations in the world championship.

Pleased with the turnout, Gregorio said officials are unfazed despite the Herculean task, confident that everyone involved will work hard to deliver since the country is unlikely to host the event again soon.

“We have to do this so well, we have to do this telling the world that this is the Philippines, we can host properly, this is the showcase of our nation, we are a very beautiful sports tourism destination,” Gregorio said.

“I think we all realize that maybe this will not happen again in our lifetime. Pagbutihan po natin, magsama-sama po tayo, magtulong-tulong po tayo because ‘Set na natin ’to.’”