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Alas Pilipinas is setting its sights on the top prize in beach volleyball at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games this December in Thailand.

“Gold is what we’re aiming for in Thailand,” said Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Ramon “Tats” Suzara during the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Challenge at Nuvali Sands Court in Santa Rosa, Laguna. “We’ve had plenty of SEA Games bronze medals, and while we know it won’t be easy, we believe it’s possible. I’m hopeful our athletes can turn their Nuvali experience into a gold-medal run in Thailand.”

Thailand and Indonesia have historically dominated SEA Games beach volleyball, while the Philippines has earned six bronze medals—three each in the men’s and women’s divisions—since 2003.

PNVF head coach Joao “Kioday” Luciano Simao Barbosa confirmed the SEA Games lineups: Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons, and Dij Rodriguez and Sunny Villapando for the women; and James Buytrago and Ran Abdilla, and Ronniel Rosales and Rancel Vergara for the men.

Each country can field two pairs per division. The 33rd SEA Games opens December 9, with beach volleyball running from December 12 to 19 at Bangkok’s Huamark Sports Complex.

“We’re working very hard to fight for the gold,” said Kioday. “All teams are strong, but with a few more months of preparation, we’ll take it step by step—and reach for that gold.”

A 141-strong Philippine delegation is set to make waves at the Third Asian Youth Games (AYG) in Manama, Bahrain, from October 22 to 31. Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino expressed confidence in the team’s potential, aiming to match or surpass the country’s two-gold, three-silver haul from the 2013 Nanjing edition.

“Yes, this team has a strong fighting chance,” said Tolentino.

Flag bearers Leo Mhar Lobrido (boxing) and Harlene Serneche (volleyball) lead the charge. Lobrido, 16, from Bago City, is a top medal hopeful after his gold-winning stint at the Greater Area Bay Youth Boxing Challenge in Shenzhen, China. “We’ll train and do our best to get a medal,” he said.

Serneche, a National University recruit and high school volleyball standout, echoed the team’s determination: “We have potential and hopefully we’ll be competitive there.”

The delegation, headed by Chef de Mission and PNVF President Ramon “Tats” Suzara, will compete in 18 of the 26 sports in Manama. During the send-off, athletes wore uniforms by Avel Bacudio, including tracksters Pi Durden Wangkay and Lorainne Batalla, Muay Thai’s Jan Brix Ramiscal, MMA’s Charlie and Travis Ratcliff, and volleyball’s Rhose Almendralejo.

Almendralejo, an 11th grader from Bacolod’s Tay Tung High School, shared her excitement and nerves: “It’s a big pressure for me, but I’ll do my best to help the team.”

With youthful energy, talent, and unity, Team Philippines is ready to showcase the next generation of Filipino athletes on the Asian stage.

The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and Volleyball icon legend Senator Leila Barros have officially announced that the Philippines has been awarded the hosting rights for the 2029 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship. 

“Hello everybody! The World Championship 2029 will be in the Philippines! Mahal ko kayo!” Barros declared.

This will mark the very first time the prestigious tournament takes place in the country.

Currently hosting the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025, the Philippines has impressed the international volleyball community with its organizational excellence, world-class venues, and the electric energy of Filipino fans.

By 2027 Women’s World Championship – To be co-hosted by the United States and Canada, marking the first-ever women’s world championship in North America.

And, by 2029 Men’s World Championship has been awarded to Qatar, bringing the men’s tournament to the Middle East for the very first time.

Two groundbreaking milestones that reflect volleyball’s growing global reach and expanding legacy.

The event, which concludes today, has showcased the nation’s passion for the sport and its ability to host competitions at the highest level.

Looking ahead to 2029, the Women’s World Championship is seen as a historic opportunity to further strengthen volleyball’s legacy in the Philippines and across Asia. 

Beyond the competition itself, the event is expected to inspire future generations of athletes and cement the country’s status as one of the sport’s global hubs.

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.

Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Ramon “Tats” Suzara has firmly denied any direct involvement with online gambling platform 1XBET regarding the country’s hosting of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.

The denial comes after Senate Games and Amusement Committee chairman Senator Erwin Tulfo flagged the tournament’s supposed sponsorship deal with the betting company, whose operations are considered illegal in the Philippines.

Tulfo criticized the visibility of 1XBET at the event, calling for an investigation by the Philippine National Police and the NBI. 

However, Suzara clarified that 1XBET logos do not appear on the taraflex courts at the Smart Araneta Coliseum or the Mall of Asia Arena, nor are they present on local tournament promotional materials.

Suzara explained that 1XBET’s presence is due to its role as a global sponsor of Volleyball World, the official international broadcasting partner of FIVB events, and not from any local deal with the PNVF.

“Wala,” Suzara told reporters when asked if 1XBET had dealings with the organizing committee. “Since the beginning, 1XBET is a global sponsor of FIVB. We met with PAGCOR and sabi nga nila, illegal dito [ang 1XBET].” Suzara told reporters, emphasizing that the organizing committee had no dealings with the betting company.

["Since the beginning, 1XBET is a global sponsor of FIVB. We met with PAGCOR and they confirmed that 1XBET is illegal here,"]

To clarify, Suzara showed that the 1XBET logo is visible only to international subscribers of Volleyball World’s streaming service and does not appear on Philippine TV broadcasts such as Cignal or One Sports.

"In the case of 1XBET, it is illegal in the Philippines. It’s not shown on domestic television. You can only see 1XBET in the global feed or if you are a subscriber of Volleyball World," he reiterated.

Suzara stressed that Senator Tulfo’s concerns may have stemmed from incomplete information, leading to the misconception that the PNVF had partnered directly with the gambling firm.

“This is a clear [case] we have to correct na baka mali ang information na kuha ni Sen. Tulfo. This would have been a good research bago i-inform si Sen.,” Suzara added.

Candon City, Ilocos Sur, is set to host the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup from June 6 to 14, marking the first time the event will be held in the region. 

The announcement came during AVC meetings in Bangkok, with PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara and Mayor Eric Singson leading the Philippine delegation.

The 12-nation tournament offers Alas Pilipinas Women a chance to complete a medal hat-trick on home soil, after recent bronze and silver finishes. 

The city plans to upgrade its 8,000-seat arena, expand accommodations, and enhance facilities to meet international standards.

Mayor Singson and Suzara both highlighted Candon’s appeal as a host city, emphasizing the boost to local tourism and Philippine volleyball. 

“I think we will have to improve our arena to accommodate what is needed for these international games. We’re also looking at expanding accommodations because we expect a lot of guests coming from several countries. We have to be ready for that,” Singson said. 

“Candon is a beautiful seaside city. Ang ganda ng beach. It’s the ‘Santorini of the North,’ and they bring a lot of tourists. Using volleyball as a product to promote the Philippines abroad will be good not only for our sport but also for tourism,” Suzara stated. 

Following its successful staging of the Men’s SEA V.League, Candon City prepares to welcome Asia’s top women’s teams for a landmark event.

Alas Pilipinas Men are ready to make history as the Philippines hosts the FIVB Men’s World Championship for the first time. 

The national volleyball team, led by star spiker Marck Espejo, expressed excitement at the recent Media Day held at the National Museum of Natural History in Manila.

“It’s an honor to be part of this historic event. We’re excited to play and show the level and brand of Philippine volleyball in the world stage,” Espejo said.

The team’s preparations included a European training camp and a home tune-up against Portugal. 

“Sa matagal naming pagsasama sa Europe, nakila po namin lalo ang isa’t isa. Ready na po kami maglaro para sa bayan. Pangakong gagawin po namin ‘yung best namin hindi lang basta makadikit o makakuha ng set pero para manalo ng games.” Espejo added

Organizers expect over 10,000 fans to fill the Mall of Asia Arena for the September 12 opener, where the Philippines will face Tunisia. K-pop group BoyNextDoor will also perform during the opening festivities.

With preparations complete and national pride on the line, Alas Pilipinas Men are fired up to compete on volleyball’s biggest stage.

This also highlights their excitement, recent training, and the significance of the upcoming tournament.

PNVF President, Ramon “Tats” Suzara also leads heads the world championship’s Local Organizing Committee co-chaired by Presidential son William Vincent “Vinny” Araneta Marcos, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, explaining Alas’ first pre-event for the world stage was a visit at the National Museum. 

Alas, led by team captain Bryan Bagunas and veteran ace Marck Espejo, roamed around the museum for over an hour to take a trip down memory lane in 12 permanent galleries that exhibit the rich biological and geological diversity of the Philippines.

“We are days away from history. Let’s make this happen and show the world that the Filipinos are one of the best fans in the world,” Suzara said.

The Philippines is set to become the epicenter of world volleyball as the FIVB Men’s World Championship unfolds from September 12 to 28 at the Mall of Asia Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“Elite at its highest level,” said Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon Suzara, as he welcomed the arrival of powerhouse teams.

Headlining the tournament are World No. 1 Poland, reigning world champion Italy, Olympic gold medalist France, and perennial powerhouse Brazil.

Poland, led by VNL MVP middle blocker Jakub Kochanowski and star spiker Wilfredo Leon, reclaimed the FIVB’s top ranking after sweeping Italy in last month’s VNL Finals. 

France, two-time Olympic gold medalists, are favored with Paris Games MVP Earvin Ngapeth at the helm, aiming for redemption after a quarterfinal exit in 2022.

Defending world champion Italy will count on Simone Giannelli (VNL Best Setter) and rising star Alessandro Michieletto (Best Outside Spiker), while Brazil’s stacked lineup—featuring Alan Souza, Ricardo Lucarelli, Mathias Bispo dos Santos, and veteran setter Bruno Fernando—looks to improve on their previous bronze finish.

With 32 nations vying for glory, Manila is primed for world-class action and historic volleyball showdowns as the sport’s elite chase the ultimate crown.

Laoag City threw its full support behind the country’s historic hosting of the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Volleyball Championship by staging the “Set Na Natin ‘To Trophy and Mascot Tour” at Laoag City over the weekend.

Cignal stars Josh Umandal, JM Ronquillo, and Vince Malinao attended the festivities, which included a mini-tournament at Dap-Ayan Park. The Block Builders, led by MVP John Paul Lorenzo, claimed victory over North Western University, the Laoag men’s team, and Pasuquin.

PNVF and AVC president Tats Suzara expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and acknowledged the efforts of local officials and partners in making the event possible.

“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,” said PNVF and AVC president Ramon “Tats” Suzara.

The tour, which launched at SM Seaside Cebu, will culminate at SM Downtown Cagayan de Oro.

Fans enjoyed appearances by official mascots KidLat and Hataw, as well as participation from Department of Tourism officials and SM City Laoag representatives.

The 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship kicks off September 12 at Mall of Asia Arena, with Alas Pilipinas debuting against Tunisia at 6 p.m. The opening ceremony will feature a performance by K-pop group BOYNEXTDOOR.

The tournament runs through September 28, bringing together 32 nations for one of volleyball’s biggest events.

With just 32 days to go until the historic FIVB 2025 Men’s World Championship, preparations are in high gear. 

From the PNVF and Local Organizing Committee (LOC) to major government agencies—led by Malacañang and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC)—everyone is working together to deliver a world-class volleyball event on home soil.

“Everything is on track when it comes to preparedness,” PNVF president Tats Suzara assured the public.

Also in attendance was Vinny Marcos, co-chair of the LOC alongside Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, as excitement builds for the September 12–28 global showdown at Smart Araneta Coliseum and SM Mall of Asia Arena. 

“It’s going to be busier weeks ahead of us with all agencies working hand in hand,“We’re thankful to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza and son Vinny, who is part of the LOC, and the FIVB for helping us.” Suzara added.