August 26, 2025

FIVB World Championship Trophy Tour draws big crowd in Laoag City

FIVB World Championship Trophy Tour draws big crowd in Laoag City
Laoag City Vice Mayor Carlos Fariñas and PNVF's Faivo Bartolome join Cignal HD Spikers Josh Umandal, JM Ronquillo, and Vince Malinao, as well as mascots KidLat and Hataw. | Photo: PNVF

Northern Luzon showed its passion for volleyball as Ilocos Norte gave a rousing welcome to the "Set Na Natin ’To Trophy and Mascot Tour" of the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship last Saturday at the newly-opened SM City Laoag.

The tour stop, highlighted by the presence of Cignal HD Spikers Josh Umandal, JM Ronquillo, and Vince Malinao, turned into a full-day celebration of the sport that spilled out from the mall into the historic Dap-Ayan Park.

There, the Block Builders, led by MVP John Paul Lorenzo, topped a four-team mini-tournament against Northwestern University, Laoag Men’s Team, and Pasuquin to showcase the province’s grassroots talent.

[ALSO READ: 'Set Na Natin 'To' Trophy, Mascot Tour heads to Laoag for FIVB World Championship hype]

Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) and Asian Volleyball Confederation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara lauded the community’s overwhelming turnout.

“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,” Suzara said.

The Laoag stop marked the second leg of the three-city tour, which began in Cebu City and will culminate on August 30 in Cagayan de Oro.

Official mascots KidLat and Hataw entertained fans, while local officials, including Laoag City Vice Mayor Carlos Fariñas and tourism representatives, joined the festivities.

[ALSO READ: ‘Set Na Natin ’To’: PH ramps up final push for FIVB Men’s World Championship]

The 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship, the biggest edition in history featuring 32 nations, kicks off September 12 with Alas Pilipinas Men taking on Tunisia at the Mall of Asia Arena.

This will be followed by a first-of-its-kind opening ceremony headlined by K-pop group BOYNEXTDOOR.

Tickets are available at philippineswch2025.com

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