Alas gets support from all over as PNVF asks for positive vibe on attendance
For college players from Vigan City, taking a 400-kilometer land trip all the way to the Mall of Asia Arena just to cheer for Alas Pilipinas and witness superior talent from other countries in the FIVB Volleyball World Championship is well worth it.
Sixteen members of the University of Northern Philippines men’s volleyball team received a gift from their school president, Erwin Cadorna, to watch pool stage games, including Alas’ match against Egypt on Tuesday.
Led by captain Jonard Aquino, the UNP players didn’t feel the grueling land trip from leaving Vigan at 9:30 p.m. on Monday and then arriving at MOA the next day, two hours before Brazil’s 25-11, 25-22, 25-18 sweep of Czechia, followed by Iran’s bounce back 23-25, 25-20, 25-23, 25-16 win over Tunisia.
“It was totally worth it,” Aquino told the Inquirer in Filipino. “Honestly, I didn’t even feel tired from the long trip because I was just so excited to meet the players I’ve always looked up to.”
Although a win isn’t guaranteed Alas against a powerhouse African team in Egypt, it’s important for Aquino and his teammates to support the team and the country’s hosting.
“It means a lot, especially because the Philippines is the host country,” he said. “Our (country’s) support really matters to the (Filipino) players. And this is a big step toward giving men’s volleyball more recognition here in our country.”
Aquino, a libero who idolizes Josh Ybañez whom he met during Alas’ SEA V-League stint in Candon last July, believes this event will be a game-changer not just for their program competing in the State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association Region 1, but also for the landscape of PH men’s volleyball.
“We were so happy and inspired at the same time, especially as volleyball players ourselves,” the third-year communication student explained. “By watching different international teams, we also saw different skills and styles of play that we can try to apply ourselves.
“I’m really happy that volleyball is starting to get more recognition here, not just women’s volleyball, but men’s as well,” he added. “As male players, I think we’re helping in our own way to change the perception that volleyball is just for girls, or that if you play volleyball, you’re not “straight.”
Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Tats Suzara believes that the country’s hosting is “so far, so good” despite the social media backlash about the empty seats at MOA Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum in the past few days.
“You know how people talk, some say there were empty seats, but that probably happened during the opening ceremony when some people arrived late,” Suzara told reporters. “Overall, we had a good crowd.”
Suzara, the AVC president, also believes that local fans will come in the latter rounds.
“We brought this tournament here for the Filipino fans,” he said. “This is for us. Let’s just stay positive.”
