Philippines rallies fans with 'Set Na Natin ’To' as FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship nears

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The Philippines officially cranked up the excitement for the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025, gathering its top sports leaders, national team stars, and hundreds of fans at the Mall of Asia Arena Music Hall on Wednesday, August 13.

With only a month before the first serve, FIVB executive vice president Ramon “Tats” Suzara, POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, and PSC chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio joined forces with event partners, volunteers, and the diplomatic corps to declare the nation ready for the 32-team global showdown.

MEMBERS of the Alas Pilipinas women help drumbeat the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship with an electrifying launch at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall on Wednsday night. PNVF Photo

Rallying cry for unity and pride

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, co-chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, urged Filipinos to get involved, stressing the importance of both fan support and volunteer work. The officials’ battle cry — “Set Na Natin ’To” — echoed the country’s readiness to host the tournament from September 12 to 28 at Smart Araneta Coliseum and MOA Arena.

“This is history in the making,” Suzara said. “We’ve battled every obstacle to deliver this event. The world’s big four — Italy, Poland, Brazil, and Slovenia — will be here. Join us for 17 days of top-level volleyball.”

Alas Pilipinas Women stars, led by Eya Laure, Jia de Guzman, Justine Jazareno, and Dell Palomata, fired up the crowd with the volunteer oath-taking, reinforcing the campaign’s message of collective effort.

Sports tourism showcase

The event also served as a preview of the Philippines’ sports tourism ambitions, with the championship trophy and mascots Koolog, Hataw, and Kidlat making appearances. Sponsors like PLDT, MWell, Meralco, Rebisco, Akari, Nuvali, Asics, Mikasa, and Cignal were recognized for their support.

“This may not happen again in our lifetime,” Gregorio said. “We have to show the world that the Philippines is a top sports tourism destination.”

The Philippine Men’s National Volleyball Team, now training in Europe, will debut against Tunisia on opening day, followed by matches against Egypt (Sept. 16) and Iran (Sept. 18) in Pool A.

From the SEA Games to the FIBA Basketball World Cup, and now the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, the country is aiming to cement its status as a world-class sports host. As Cayetano put it, “Set na natin ’to.”