The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), led by President Ramon “Tats” Suzara, has announced key figures who will play a role in promoting the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship Philippines 2025, which takes place from September 12 to 28.
Filipino volleyball stars Eya Laure and Bryan Bagunas have been named Official Ambassadors, while Ben&Ben has been introduced as the Official Music Partner. Their participation was formally unveiled at the official launch event at The Vault in BGC, Taguig City, signaling the six-month countdown to the world-class tournament.
Ambassadors Laure and Bagunas Set to Promote the Event
As Official Ambassadors, Laure and Bagunas will take part in a series of promotional events in the lead-up to the 32-team world championship. These events will include:
- International Road Show
- Mascot Contest and Launch
- Trophy Tour
- Media Broadcast Conference
- Team Managers Meeting
- Test Event
- 100-Day Countdown in June
Laure, a PVL standout and former UST star, expressed her excitement about promoting Philippine volleyball on the world stage.
“It is such an honor to be one of the ambassadors. This event will help volleyball gain more recognition in the country, and we are bringing in the best teams in the world. I am also excited that the ALAS men’s team will be part of this,” said Laure.
Bagunas, a former UAAP and Spikers’ Turf MVP, echoed her sentiments, highlighting how hosting a world championship will benefit Philippine volleyball.
“We are grateful to the PNVF for making this happen. This is a huge opportunity for Philippine volleyball. We will learn a lot from this experience, and it is our chance to showcase our own talent,” Bagunas said.
The Philippines is grouped in Group A, alongside Tunisia, Egypt, and Iran, in what promises to be a competitive bracket.
Bagunas, who is currently recovering from a left knee injury, remains focused on regaining full fitness in time for the tournament.
Ben&Ben’s Song ‘Triumph’ Named Official Anthem
PNVF has also named Ben&Ben as the Official Music Partner, with their song “Triumph” set to serve as the official tournament anthem throughout the countdown and competition.
Suzara emphasized the importance of the song in setting the tone for the tournament.
“We are lucky and proud to have Ben&Ben. The song ‘Triumph’ perfectly fits volleyball and reflects the passion of Filipinos for both sports and music,” he said.
Ben&Ben’s Paolo Guico expressed the band’s excitement over being part of the historic event.
“We at Ben&Ben are happy and proud to be the official music partner for this tournament. ‘Triumph’ is a song that embodies passion and perseverance, which is what volleyball and sports are all about,” he said.
The song was originally released as a pre-release single from Ben&Ben’s third album “The Traveller Across Dimensions” and has since become an anthem for empowerment, resilience, and hope.
Six-Month Countdown to History
The tournament will be a milestone for Philippine volleyball, marking the first time the country will host the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship and only its second appearance since the 1974 edition in Mexico.
“Let’s get it going. We are 192 days away from history. Let us work together and make this the best hosting ever,” Suzara stated.
The Men’s World Championship Local Organizing Committee Executive Board has begun ramping up preparations. Among the key figures at the launch were:
- William Vincent “Vinny” Araneta Marcos – Co-chair of the LOC Executive Board and PNVF Chairman Emeritus
- Senator Alan Peter Cayetano – LOC Executive Board Member
- Senator Pia Cayetano – LOC Executive Board Member
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano emphasized that this event is bigger than just volleyball.
“What we are doing here is more than just a sporting event. It is a chance to showcase the Philippines to the world,” Cayetano said.
Senator Pia Cayetano echoed his sentiments, emphasizing the country’s growing status as a global sports host following the success of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, the Philippine national women’s football team’s FIFA Women’s World Cup debut, and the upcoming 2025 FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup.
“It took a long time for Philippine volleyball to reach this stage. This is a world championship, not just a regional or Asian competition. We have the opportunity to make this a historic hosting,” she said.
With an official music partner, promotional ambassadors, and strong government backing, the PNVF is set to deliver a landmark event that will elevate Philippine volleyball to new heights.
