MANILA, Philippines – With the one-year countdown towards the Philippines’ hosting of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025 well underway, the country’s national federation is seeking help from the government to find a permanent training venue for Alas Pilipinas.
According to Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) head Ramon “Tats” Suzara, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. told him of the need to help the lowest-ranked team in the tournament prepare better.
“(Marcos) asked me, if there was a permanent gym, I told him, ‘None, they only train at the PhilSports Arena and Gameville,’ and then, ‘Do they stay together?’ I told him, ‘No, they don’t stay together… They should stay together!'” Suzara said on Sunday, September 16.
“I told him, ‘That’s the dream, Mr. President,’ to which he said, ‘Let’s do something about it, they should stay together for the World Championship,'” Suzara, concurrently the president of the Asian Volleyball Confederation, added.
To help Alas Men gain valuable experience, the team leaves for Italy on Monday to go on a two-week training camp and face some second-tier teams there, said Josh Ybañez.
It comes days after the Philippines was bunched with reigning African champion Egypt, 11-time African kings Tunisia, and Asian runner-up Iran in Pool A of the 32-team showdown.
Alas head coach Angiolino Frigoni called the process to get better a “tough responsibility,” but added that the Filipinos were fortunate to avoid European and American powerhouse teams.
To signify its support to the Philippine effort, Malacañang threw a colorful party at the Palace grounds on Sunday, inviting all Alas Pilipinas players, as well as officials from the FIVB and PNVF.
Dubbed “PH to Serve: A concert to serve the one-year countdown to the Philippine hosting of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025,” the party featured the performance of members of Team Philippines in the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA).
The festivities were attended by Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and the president’s son Vinny, who is co-chairperson of the local organizing committee.
Alas Pilipinas players who attended the party included Ybañez, team captain Kim Malabunga, Peng Taguibolos, Lloyd Josafat, Noel Kampton, Buds Buddin, JP Bugaoan, Leo Ordiales, Vince Lorenzo, Choi Diao, Louie Ramirez, Jade Disquitado, and Adrian Villados, and they were accompanied by the coaching staff led by Frigoni.
On the distaff side, team captain Dawn Catindig and head coach Jorge de Brito led the delegation, along with Faith Nisperos, Cherry Nunag, Eya Laure, Jen Nierva, Sisi Rondina, Vanie Gandler, Thea Gagate, Dell Palomata, Julia Coronel, and Arah Panique.
The First Family was presented with a painting made by Olympian Slaven Dizdarević of Slovakia — an artwork which features colors of the Philippine flag, and elements unique to the country, as well as the Men’s World Championship trophy.
“We in the team are so happy that men’s volleyball is seeing a continued rise in the country, we want the sport to be recognized more, and we hope that the government continues to support us,” said Buddin. – Rappler.com
