PNVF: All systems go for PH hosting of FIVB Men's World Championship

MANILA, September 4 ------ It's all systems go for the country's hosting of the FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championships this month, according to Philippine National Volleyball Federation President Ramon "Tats" Suzara.

With nine days left until the international competition, the PNVF head said they are looking forward to welcoming the 31 participating teams to Philippine shores. "We are ready. Portugal arrived last night. There are two more, other teams arriving today and the day after tomorrow. We're all set. From the airport to EDSA and going to the hotel, I think we are ready. We have all the city branding ready. And our team is ready," Suzara told reporters while on board the FIVB Men's World Championship-themed MRT-3 train on Wednesday. "We are all set kaya set na natin ito. We will make this the most unforgettable world championship ever. Yan ang guarantee ko," he added.

Suzara said he met with the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) boards on Tuesday. "They are there to support us. They will be sending students sa opening, they are also there to cheer for our Alas Pilipinas during opening day. So, we look forward to having all the volleyball fans around the Philippines," he shared.

Ahead of their historic participation in the tournament, members of the Alas Pilipinas Men's and Women's team hopped on the MRT-3 at the North Avenue station for the launch of the FIVB themed train. Alas Pilipinas Men's team captain Bryan Bagunas said he was grateful to see his face not just on the MRT-3 trains, but also on the LRT-2 trains and other collaterals in Metro Manila. "Nakaka-proud siyempre. Sana maging inspirational sa mga bata. Sana marami kaming ma-inspire na mga bata para sa future ng volleyball," he shared.

The Alas Pilipinas Men's team veteran said they are looking forward to representing the country and competing with some of the world's best this month. "For me siyempre sobrang nakaka-proud ito. Kasi nakikilala na rin yung volleyball dito sa Pilipinas, lalong-lalo na yung men's volleyball. Sobrang thankful kaming men's volleyball [team] na tinutulungan kami ng sponsors lalo na PNVF para makilala pa men's volleyball," he shared when asked about the FIVB-themed trains.

Bagunas is one of the official ambassadors of the FIVB Men's World Championship, alongside fellow volleyball stars Alyssa Valdez and Eya Laure. The team continues its closed-door training after a string of training camps in Europe. "For us sobrang laking bagay nun kasi na-experience na namin yung malalaki yung kalaban namin. So pagdating sa World Championship di na kami magugulat. Sobrang magandang experience yung nabigay ng Europe camp namin," Bagunas said.

Alas Pilipinas Men's will open its campaign in the tournament against World No. 43 Tunisia on September 12. The home team aims to take advantage of the absence of Wassim Ben Tara, the team's top scorer in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. "Kagaya nga ng training camp, isa ito sa pinaghandaan namin. Yung Portugal and Romania, pupunta din naman sa Pilipinas. We're having a practice game with them before first game namin sa Tunisia," Bagunas said.

The FIVB Men's Volleyball Championships will run from September 12 to 28 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City and the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com