Fresh off a vibrant celebration of World Volleyball Day at the SM Mall of Asia, the spotlight now turns to Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur, as the 2025 SEA Men’s V.League gets underway on Wednesday, July 9. The event marks another major step in the country’s volleyball buildup toward hosting the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship Philippines 2025.

Officials from the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) and the championship Local Organizing Committee gathered alongside the Alas Pilipinas Women’s team and their fans in Pasay for Monday’s global celebration. According to PNVF President Ramon “Tats” Suzara, who is currently in Surabaya in his capacity as Asian Volleyball Confederation president, the event drew praise from the FIVB leadership.

Now, the focus shifts to competition as Alas Pilipinas Men defends home turf against Southeast Asia’s best: Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Cambodia. With ranking points and a $13,000 champion’s prize at stake, the Candon leg promises intense volleyball action from July 9 to 13.

Alas Pilipinas bolstered by Rotter, anchored by veterans

Reinforced by Fil-Am Steve Rotter, the Philippine team enters the tournament with high hopes despite the absence of Bryan Bagunas due to injury. Mainstays Kim Malabunga, Owa Retamar, Peng Taguibolos, Louie Ramirez, and Buds Buddin return under coach Angiolino Frigoni, aiming to build on their strong showing at last month’s Alas Pilipinas Invitationals.

The tournament offers a $55,000 total prize pool, with silver and bronze teams earning $12,000 and $11,000, respectively, while fourth and fifth placers take home $10,000 and $9,000.

SEA’s best squads converge in Ilocos Sur

Defending champion Thailand brings a deep roster featuring Amornthep Khonhan, Anurak Phanram, Kissada Nilsawai, and Chaiwat Thungkham, all part of the team’s AVC Nations Cup campaign. Despite a rough showing in Bahrain, Thailand remains a favorite after winning both SEA V.League legs last season.

Indonesia, backstopped by Farhan Halim, Hendra Kurniawan, Doni Hayrono, and Rivan Nurmulki, seeks redemption after a quarterfinal loss to Pakistan in Bahrain. The Indonesians won two silver medals in 2023 and are aiming to go a step further.

Vietnam, led by AVC standouts Van Quoc Duy, T.D. Tuyen, and Ngoc Thuan, is gunning for its first podium finish in the SEA V.League after back-to-back fourth-place finishes.

Newcomer Cambodia enters the fray after topping the SEA V.League Challenge, where they bested Malaysia, Laos, and Singapore to earn promotion.

With fierce rivals and passionate fans expected at the 8,000-seat Candon City Arena, the 2024 SEA Men’s V.League sets the tone for what promises to be a blockbuster volleyball season in the Philippines.