The Philippines is all set to host another big volleyball event. Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) president Ramon “Tats” Suzara confirmed on Thursday that everything's good to go for the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Women’s Week 2, happening from June 17 to 21 at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
This is the second major international volleyball tournament the country is hosting this year. Just last week, Candon City in Ilocos Sur held the AVC Women’s Cup. Suzara said the Philippines is putting serious focus on women's volleyball as it prepares for the 2029 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship, which the country will co-host.
Philsports Arena is no stranger to big events. The venue has hosted several international volleyball matches before. But this year's VNL stop was originally planned for Cebu. Suzara said those plans got moved to Manila, but Cebu is still very much in the picture.
“We are planning to bring the women’s VNL to Cebu next year,” Suzara said. The statement suggests the country is spreading its hosting capabilities beyond Metro Manila, giving more Filipinos a chance to watch world-class volleyball live.
The VNL Women’s Week 2 will feature some of the best national teams in the world. The Philippines will also field its own women's team, giving local fans a rare chance to see their players compete against top-tier opponents on home soil.
Suzara, who also serves as the president of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, has been pushing for more international tournaments in the country. His efforts are part of a broader strategy to raise the level of Philippine volleyball and prepare for the 2029 World Championship.
The 2029 FIVB Women's World Championship will be co-hosted by the Philippines and another country yet to be confirmed. It will be the first time the Philippines hosts a world championship in volleyball, a milestone for the sport in the country.
For now, fans can look forward to five days of high-level volleyball starting June 17. Tickets are expected to go fast, especially with the Philippine team playing at home. The event also gives local players a chance to gain experience against international competition.
Suzara's announcement is good news for Cebuano volleyball fans. If the plan pushes through, next year's VNL stop in Cebu would mark the first time the Queen City of the South hosts a major international volleyball event. That's a big deal for the local sports scene.
The Philippines has been steadily building its reputation as a reliable host for international volleyball. From the AVC Cup to the VNL, the country is showing it can handle big events. And with the 2029 World Championship on the horizon, the momentum is only growing.