“We salute Alas Pilipinas and the PNVF for their historic FIVB World Championship milestone, highlighted by their upset victory over Egypt and their thrilling five-set battle against Iran. Just as our Philippine Men’s National Volleyball Team continues to raise the bar for Philippine sports on the international stage, this achievement shows that Filipino athletes across many sports belong to the world stage. We in Philippine football draw inspiration from their success and are motivated to continue striving toward our own milestones to bring pride to the nation as we stage the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup in November.” – PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez
The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) congratulates the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), led by its President Ramon “Tats” Suzara, and the Philippine men’s national volleyball team, for a historic hosting and campaign in the ongoing 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship.
The national team, dubbed Alas Pilipinas, won its first ever World Championship game on October 16 with a convincing four-setter against Paris Olympic team and world number 20 Egypt despite being a heavy underdog as the 61st ranked team in the world.
Having a chance at qualifying for the Round of 16, Alas Pilipinas led reigning Asian Games gold medalist and world number 14 Iran, two sets to one, in the final group stage game on October 18, before narrowly losing in the sudden death fifth set, 20-22.
Despite the early exit, the Philippines is ranked 19th in the tournament and is above volleyball powerhouses Germany, Cuba, Japan, and China.
“Alas Pilipinas’ success in the FIVB Worlds is proof that the Philippines is not a mere participant in sports, but a significant force in the global stage,” said PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez.
“PFF and our national teams are inspired by the valiant men of Alas Pilipinas and our PNVF colleagues for their successful World Championship campaign. Their energy, desire to win, and sense of purpose is infectious, encouraging our teams to play braver and better against the world’s best,” he added.
Gutierrez also congratulated PNVF for its “excellent hosting” of the World Championship, saying that the federation and Mr. Suzara have imparted “valuable lessons” to PFF in hosting next month’s Futsal Women’s World Cup.
“I would like to sincerely acknowledge Mr. Tats Suzara, President of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation. Even with his demanding schedule preparing for the Men’s World Volleyball Championship, he still found time to guide and advise us on how to successfully host an event like this. His generosity and expertise mean a great deal to us, and we are truly thankful for his willingness to lend a helping hand so the Philippine Football Federation can deliver the best possible hosting as well,” Gutierrez said.
(Photo courtesy of Aliyah Rosario)
