For the second consecutive year, the Philippines is poised to become the epicenter of another prestigious global sporting event. Led by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), the country has submitted its final bid to host the esteemed FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship from September 12 to 28, 2025, following the successful staging of the FIBA Basketball World Cup last year.
PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara, accompanied by government officials including Department of Tourism secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Sen. Pia Cayetano, presented an irresistible bid during the bid meeting at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
“Teamwork makes the dream work, and this meeting is a first major step towards the dream of a successful bid and eventual hosting of the men’s world championship,” said PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara. “The PNVF continues its mission to serve volleyball to all its stakeholders starting with the Philippines and later on, hopefully, the rest of the world.”
Suzara, renowned for his successful implementation and master planning of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, also spearheaded the delivery of the prestigious Volleyball Nations League (VNL) in the Philippines for two consecutive years. The overwhelming response from Filipino volleyball fans during the VNL showcased the country’s potential as a host of such a significant event.
“We see massive potential in the Philippines. We decided to bring the VNL here two years ago, and the fandom was crazy. We’re overwhelmed. The love from the people here was unique that all the volleyball players are dreaming for,” said Guido Betti, Chief Business Officer of Volleyball World.
“The VNL last year at the MOA Arena was the best event of the VNL, and we had 14 stops around the world. It shows that the country has embraced the best of volleyball,” added Volleyball World CEO Finn Taylor.
The winning bidder, selected from 31 interested countries now narrowed down to a “final few” candidates, will be announced next month. The PNVF hopes for the Philippines to secure an automatic slot in the 32-team world tilt as the host, following the footsteps of Slovenia and Poland, which hosted the 2022 edition won by Italy.
Among the proposed playing venues are the renowned Mall of Asia Arena and the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with world-class hotels like Shangri-La, Grand Hyatt, Diamond Hotel, Conrad, and Seda slated to accommodate teams, players, and officials. Training sites include the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, Ninoy Aquino Stadium, PhilSports Arena, and the FilOil EcoOil Center, under the supervision of the Philippine Sports Commission headed by chairman Richard Bachmman.
