The Philippines opened its historic hosting of the 2025 FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship with a dazzling ceremony at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Philippines made history on Friday, September 12, as it officially welcomed the world to the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship with a grand opening ceremony at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The festivities began at 4:30 p.m. with a colorful cultural presentation by the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group, followed by welcome remarks from Philippine Sports Commission chairman Pato Gregorio and FIVB president Fabio Azevedo, who praised the Philippines for hosting the world’s best in volleyball.
FIVB President Fabio Azevedo speaks during the 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship opening ceremonies. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
“We are sure that the best of volleyball in the world is here. It's the first time that the Men's World Championship is in Southeast Asia and the first time of the World Championship with 32 teams, 32 nations fighting for one glory or one trophy as of today,” said Azevedo.
“For many years, volleyball has been an underdog sport in the Philippines, always in the shadows of another national favorite — basketball. But here we all are: this crowd, this event, this moment — standing at the threshold of a great new era and the dawn of a truly exciting legacy. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas,” added Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio.
Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Ramon “Tats” Suzara, who also heads the Asian Volleyball Confederation, was also present for the historic event.
He was joined by the local Organizing Committee co-chaired by Presidential son William Vincent “Vinny” Araneta Marcos, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, and LOC board members Senator Pia Cayetano and POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.
Adding flair to the program were performances by Buganda Drumline and Dancers, rising P-pop girl group G22, and Cebuana singer-songwriter Karencitta, who debuted “Electrify”—the official theme song of the tournament.
The parade of flags representing all 32 participating nations further underscored the magnitude of the event.
The highlight came when K-pop group BOYNEXTDOOR took the stage, sending thousands of fans into a frenzy and solidifying the Philippines’ reputation for staging world-class sports spectacles.
President Bongbong Marcos, accompanied by First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, then led the ceremonial serve before the spotlight shifted to the opening Pool A match between Alas Pilipinas and Tunisia.
The 17-day global tournament runs until September 28, with matches split between the Mall of Asia Arena and the Smart Araneta Coliseum, featuring volleyball powerhouses such as Poland, Italy, Brazil, France, USA, and Japan.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.