By NIKOLE JAVIER
The Philippines’ successful hosting of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) men’s tournament became further proof of the country’s present shift from being a long-time basketball-crazed nation to an obvious volleyball country.
Former national team captain Alyssa Valdez was not the first one to say the same thing after noticing the rise of volleyball locally and beyond among the Filipinos.
“I think I’m gonna say it. But I think right now, we are a volleyball country or a volleyball nation. Napkasayang makita na punung puno ‘yung arena. It’s so nice to see them both cheering for the USA and Japan. Napakagandang scenario rito sa venue. We’re just really hoping mag-continue ‘yung support ng community sa volleyball in general here in the Philippines and all over the world,” Valdez said, who had a brief interaction with American setter and captain Micah Christenson.
From the collegiate scene to the pro ranks, volleyball fans simultaneously filled the venues of UAAP and PVL games – drawing in mammoth crowds in the past few months without fail.
Only this time, the Filipinos surprised the visiting volleyball royalties including Team USA as they flock the Mall of Asia Arena for six straight days to conclude the country’s three-year hosting of the tournament, something that the Creamline spiker wants to become a sustained interest.
With more younger children pursuing volleyball, Valdez is also hoping to see the emergence of the Philippines in the international stage beyond just hosting.
One way she finds that possible is for the professional men’s volleyball to earn the same reception through the Spikers’ Turf.
“Sa amin pa nga lang players ang rami na namin natututunan visually. What more and most especially ‘yung mga nagsisimula pa lang sa volleyball. Magandang exposure ito sa kanila. Sana mas maganda pa ‘yung ipakita natin at mag-improve tayo as a team. Sana mag-start rin to na panuorin ‘yung Spikers’ Turf and volleyball games in general as we support these teams in the VNL,” she said.
Following its commendable hosting, the FIVB has granted the PNVF another solo hosting rights for the 2025 Men’s Volleyball World Championships, with 32 teams including the host nation pitted against each other on a larger scale.
