Cover The team captain of Alas Pilipinas, Bryan Bagunas (Photo: courtesy of FIVB)
The team captain of Alas Pilipinas, Bryan Bagunas (Photo: courtesy of FIVB)
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In an exclusive interview with Tatler, president Fabio Azevedo of the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) shares his plans for the future
“We and our athletes feel so welcomed by a warm audience. Filipinos are so respectful, but at the same time, so passionate about the game… We want to give these guys emotions, memories and goosebumps, and we’re delivering. We feel at home here in the Philippines,” says FIVB president Fabio Azevedo.
A few days after the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Filipino fans were reintroduced to the world of volleyball as highlight reels flooded social media. For the longest time, the Philippines has been obsessed with basketball, but volleyball was always a close second—with the popularity of collegiate matches among fans. Today, we are on the brink of transforming our country into a powerhouse as the FIVB hosts its now-biennial Men’s Volleyball World Championship in the country for the first time.
More from Tatler: More than medals: how EJ Obiena and Atletang Ayala are shaping champions on and off the field
Above Alas Pilipinas in action during the FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship (Photo: courtesy of FIVB)
Alas Pilipinas in action during the FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship (Photo: courtesy of FIVB)
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Often held in Europe, the FIVB’s Men’s Volleyball World Championship deviated from its norm this year, setting foot in Southeast Asia for the first time. Taking place in Manila, 32 teams fiercely competed against each other these past two weeks and have taken the Filipino audience by storm. Representing us is Alas Pilipinas, who recently won against Egypt before getting knocked out by Iran in an intense and close five-set battle. “Asia is the focus of the FIVB for the future. This continent is responsible for 52 per cent of our fanbase in the world. It’s a bold statement,” Azevedo says.
Above Filipino fans cheering for Alas Pilipinas (Photo: courtesy of FIVB)
Filipino fans cheering for Alas Pilipinas (Photo: courtesy of FIVB)
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Despite this loss, however, Filipinos cheered on as countries like Italy, Serbia, Poland and Belgium, among others, dominated the court with thunderous spikes. “Filipino fans are a great audience for our sport. They are very engaged, and they understand the game. Volleyball has the power to bring people together, and that’s exactly what we did here. In the arena, there was great energy and vibration,” says Azevedo.
See also: Team Philippines enters ‘Physical: Asia’ with Manny Pacquiao at the helm—meet the athletes
Above The SM Mall of Asia Arena packed with fans (Photo: courtesy of FIVB)
The SM Mall of Asia Arena packed with fans (Photo: courtesy of FIVB)
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As it stands, over 800 million people around the world are connected to volleyball—about 10 per cent of the global population. By 2032, through the FIVB’s vision, they hope to double that amount. “We want to have 1.6 billion volleyball fans in the future and to make it happen, we need to make our sport more accessible, more understandable and more affordable… America is a continent mainly for basketball. Europe is a continent mainly for football. Asia is a continent mainly for volleyball. I’m confident that this country [the Philippines] will become a powerhouse of volleyball in the future,” says Azevedo.
Above The sports court in Parañaque by Maya Carandang (Photo: courtesy of FIVB)
The sports court in Parañaque by Maya Carandang (Photo: courtesy of FIVB)
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To reinforce its commitment to transforming the Philippines as a global influencer of Volleyball, the FIVB—during their two week stay—has recently inaugurated a full-length court for the community. Situated in Parañaque City, the court is an art legacy project done in collaboration with urban artist Maya Carandang who is known for painting hundreds of sports courts across the country. “That image was like a reflection of athletes being recognised and celebrated because everything we are doing is for the athletes and the fans. Having this monument as a legacy of the World Championships was absolutely beautiful,” Azevedo shares with a smile.
Above Alas Pilipinas celebrating on court (Photo: courtesy of FIVB)
Alas Pilipinas celebrating on court (Photo: courtesy of FIVB)
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As for the near future, Filipino fans can expect more international tournaments to be set on home soil. Currently, we’ve had the pleasure of watching intense matches of the Men’s Volleyball World Championship at the Mall of Asia Arena and the Araneta Coliseum—which could set a precedent for the Women’s World Championship to be held here. “It’ll come sooner than later. Even sooner than you expect,” quips Azevedo.
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Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
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A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
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