Rebisco reaffirmed its commitment to Philippine volleyball by backing the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship and the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals, a four-nation showcase that kicks off June 10.
With just 94 days to go before the Philippines hosts the prestigious 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals will officially kick off on Tuesday, June 9.
The tournament marks the latest push by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) and longtime sponsor Rebisco to spotlight the country’s growing presence on the global volleyball stage.
The three-day event, running from June 10 to 12 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, features four elite teams: the Philippine men’s national team Alas Pilipinas, Indonesia's Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi, South Korea’s Hyundai Capital Skywalkers, and the Thailand men’s national team.
“In the flesh and 94 days before the World Championship,” said PNVF President Ramon “Tats” Suzara during a press conference held at Novotel Manila Araneta City, where the partnership with Republic Biscuit Corporation (Rebisco) as sponsor of both the MWCH and the Invitationals was formally announced.
Suzara emphasized that the tournament serves as a preview of what fans can expect when the Philippines hosts the 32-nation FIVB MWCH from September 12 to 28 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Rebisco Vice Chairman Jonathan Ng reiterated the company’s commitment to promoting volleyball as the two leaders made the sponsorship official on Monday, June 9 at the Novotel Manila.
“As proud sponsors of the Men’s Volleyball World Championship, we at Rebisco, together with the PNVF, fully support the continued development and popularity of volleyball among Filipinos,” Ng said.
“We see the sport as a vehicle of inspiration… The values of hard work, discipline, sportsmanship, integrity, and dedication that our players display can be applied to all aspects of Filipino life.”
The opening day featured Alas Pilipinas facing Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi in the main 7:30 p.m. game, after the 4:00 p.m. curtain-raiser between Thailand and Hyundai Capital.
Officials and players in attendance included PNVF vice president Ricky Palou, secretary-general Don Caringal, Action Republic Corp. President Rollie Delfino, Rebisco Field Sales Operations head Alandel Acero, and Alas Pilipinas captain Bryan Bagunas, who was joined by fellow MWCH ambassador Alyssa Valdez.
Alas Pilipinas head coach Angiolino Frigoni, along with the coaching staff and captains of the other participating teams, also joined the opening ceremonies.
The tournament continues on Wednesday with Thailand vs. Jakarta at 4:00 p.m. and Alas Pilipinas vs. Hyundai at 7:30 p.m., followed by Thursday’s final doubleheader: Jakarta vs. Hyundai at 4:00 p.m., and Alas Pilipinas vs. Thailand at 7:30 p.m.
Thailand is led by head coach Park Ki Won with Amornthep Khonhan as captain, Hyundai is helmed by Fabio Storti and Tae Jun Jeong, while Jakarta is coached by Reidel Alfonso Gonzares Toiran, with Nizar Julfikar Munawar as team captain.
The Alas Pilipinas Invitationals is supported by Smart Communications, PLDT Home, Meralco, Metro Pacific Investments, PAGCOR, LRTA, Maynilad, DOOH, RMN, Ibis Styles Manila, and the Smart Araneta Coliseum.