Brazilian volleyball legend Leila Barros is set for a heartfelt homecoming in Manila as she arrives on Thursday, September 25, for the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.
Barros, a household name in Philippine volleyball since her first visit in 2000 for the FIVB World Grand Prix, will serve as guest of honor during the tournament’s semifinals and finals this weekend at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Now 53 and a senator in Brazil, Barros remains a beloved figure among Filipino fans. At the turn of the millennium, her skill, charisma, and passion for the game helped ignite the rise of Philippine volleyball, inspiring a generation to embrace the sport.
Last Saturday, September 27, Barros held a press conference and a special Meet and Greet session with local media and fans, offering an opportunity to reconnect with the community that still holds her in high regard.
A decorated opposite spiker for Brazil’s national team, Barros’ international career includes two Olympic bronze medals (1996, 2000) and four golds at the FIVB World Grand Prix. Notably, she helped Brazil clinch bronze during the Manila leg of the Grand Prix in 2000—a moment that endeared her even more to Filipino supporters.
Barros accepted the invitation of Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) President Ramon “Tats” Suzara to attend the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025, saying the country’s hosting is a clear sign of how far volleyball has grown in the Philippines since she first played here.
“In fact, for years I’ve been receiving invitations to come to the Philippines,” said the 53-year-old volleyball player-turned-senator during a press conference at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday morning.
“Then the longing really hit. I thought it was the right time to come to the Philippines, because I believe this is the moment when Filipino volleyball is growing,” she added.
Barros first captured the hearts of Filipino fans with her skill and charisma during Brazil’s 2000 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix campaign, before making a brief return in the Manila leg of the same tournament in 2004.
The two-time Olympic bronze medalist said it felt like she had never left, recalling the warmth she experienced on her first visit, when Filipino fans welcomed her with overwhelming support.
“The memory that stands out the most for me is the natural empathy I felt as soon as I entered the stadium and with Filipino people,” she said.
“It’s funny — when I was here, people were holding signs that said ‘Leila for President’ and ‘Leila, Marry Me.’ It seems like they could see the future, since I eventually became a senator in Brazil,” Barros added.
Barros, who endured a five-day journey after her flight was delayed, said it was all worth it the moment she reconnected with the fans who had embraced her since the early 2000s. She will be attending the final two days of the FIVB World Championship before flying back home.
She expressed her utmost gratitude to Suzara and the rest of the PNVF for bringing her back to the Philippines and allowing her to be part of a historic moment for volleyball in the country.
“I’m also very surprised that it’s already been 21 years since I was last here, yet I still receive so much love from Asian and Filipino fans on social media,” said Barros.
“I carry such good memories with me. I always tell people: we can leave sports, but sports never really leaves us.”
With her return, Barros not only celebrates Brazil’s volleyball legacy but also rekindles her connection with the Philippines, a country where her influence remains timeless.
Brazilian volleyball legend Leila Barros’ return to Manila, her reflections on the growth of Philippine volleyball, and the enduring connection she feels with Filipino fans. The story details her gratitude to the PNVF, her fond memories from past visits, and the significance of her participation in the historic FIVB Men’s World Championship.
Dwight Ramos has agreed to a basic contract with the Levanga Hokkaido for the 2026-2027 season, the team announced on Instagram.
He averaged 12.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game during the previous season.
Ramos has been with the organization since 2022 after his rookie year contract with the Toyama Grouses expired.
Filipino-American NBA player Jordan Clarkson has re-signed with the defending champion New York Knicks on a one-year, $3.9 million contract.
Clarkson averaged 10.8 minutes per game during the Knicks' championship run. His role as a scoring spark off the bench helped ease the workload of the team's starters and provided valuable depth throughout the 2025-2026 NBA season.
His impact and influence played a crucial part in helping New York contend for and ultimately win the championship during the previous season.
The Knicks captured the 2026 NBA title against the San Antonio Spurs, ending a championship drought that lasted nearly half a century.
He also posted on his Instagram account following his extension with the Knicks.
"still in this dream, NY! run it back! love ," he wrote.
John Amores is returning to professional basketball after signing a one-conference contract with the Titan Ultra Giant Risers.
Titan welcomed him through a Facebook post, announcing his comeback representing the team.
"A NEW CHAPTER STARTS NOW. Welcome back to the PBA, John Amores. Welcome to the Titan Ultra Giant Risers family. Let’s get to work," they wrote.
Before his professional basketball license was revoked, Amores averaged 5.1 points and 1.6 rebounds per game for the NorthPort Batang Pier during the 2024-2025 PBA season.
John and his brother were involved in a shooting incident in Laguna in September 2024, which led the suspension from the PBA, along with revoking his license by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB).
Earlier this week, he posted a video of himself at GAB, where he officially retrieved his license, and is now cleared to resume playing in professional leagues.
Ahead of his PBA comeback, Titan is set to face Terrafirma this Friday.
Alas Pilipinas Women's team shared photos on its Instagram account during training for the upcoming SEA V.League and the Aichi-Nagoya 20th Asian Games.
Taka Minowa, a former head coach in the Premier Volleyball League with the Akari Chargers, will take over as the new head coach of the nat'l team after being recruited by the POC for his service.
The roster is composed of setters with captain Jia De Guzman, Marionne Angelique Alba, Maria Angelica Cayuna; liberos Justine Ylizeth Jazareno, Jennifer Nierva, Dawn Nicole Catindig, Shaira Jardio.
They will also be joined by outside hitters Mhicaela Belen, Vanessa Gandler, Ejiya Laure, Alleiah Jan Malaluan, Angel Anne Canino, Shaina Marie Nitura; as well as middle blockers Janette Panaga, Dell Palomata, Thea Gagate, Mereophe Sharma, Amie Provido, Nina Ytang.
Completing the line-up are opposite hitters Alyssa Solomon, Erika Santos, and Arah Panique.
Alas secured bronze in the 2025 SEA V.League after sweeping Indonesia 25-17, 25-17, 28-26. The team also qualified for the Asian Games due to its current FIVB rankings among asian teams, standing at No. 10.
SEA V.League will take place in Vietnam on July 31 to August 2, while the Asian Games will be held in Japan beginning September 19.
Evan Nelle has been traded from the Phoenix Fuelmasters to the NLEX Road Warriors.
TNLEX welcomed the guard on their official Facebook Page, highlighting the contributions he is expected to bring to the team for the upcoming season.
"A floor general who thrives under pressure, sees every play before it unfolds, and keeps the offense rolling, you’re built for the road ahead," they wrote.
NLEX receive:
- Evan Nelle
Phoenix receive:
- Sidney Onwubere
Nelle averaged 8.08 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 4.5 per game in the PBA Commissioner's Cup. The Fuel Masters reached the quarterfinals but were eliminated by the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, which eventually won the conference title.
Jimmy Alapag, the current head coach of NLEX, had already made key moves to strengthen the core as the Road Warriors aim to contend for a title.
He and Nelle are already familiar with each other, as he personally trained Nelle in California before the PBA Season 49 Draft, where Evan was selected as the No. 14 pick. Alapag was still the developmental coach of the Sacramento Kings at that time.
