MANILA, Philippines —True to the theme, the Philippines’ historic hosting of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship kicked off in electrifying fashion Wednesday night at Mall of Asia Arena Music Hall.

With a month to go before the biggest volleyball event in the country, fans, officials, and representatives from the 31 embassies of participating countries gathered for a the official launch ahead of the World Championship opener on September 12, when Alas Pilipinas debuts against Tunisia.

READ: Alas Pilipinas heads to Europe for final stretch of FIVB buildup

Cebuana singer-songwriter Karencitta unveiled the tournament’s official anthem, “Electrify.” The launch also unveiled the host country’s battle cry, “Set Na Natin ’To.”

The championship trophy tour continued at the Music Hall, where event mascots “Koolog”, “Hataw”, and “Kid Lat” were introduced to the public ahead of the 32-nation tournament, which will feature defending champion Italy, world No. 1 and Volleyball Nations League titlist Poland, Brazil, and Slovenia from September 12 to 28 at Smart Araneta Coliseum and MOA Arena.

Meet Kid Lat, Koolog, and Hataw. #MWCH2025 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/KcOODweGKC

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) August 13, 2025

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Alas Pilipinas star Eya Laure, one of the World Championship 2025 ambassadors, led the oath-taking of the volunteers. She and team captain Jia de Guzman, recently-awarded SEA V-League Best Libero Justine Jazareno, Dell Palomata, and other national team members were also honored for their recent bronze medal.

“For me and my teammates, we can truly see the growth of Philippine volleyball happening together, as one,” said Laure in Filipino. 

FIVB #MWCH2025 ambassador and Alas Pilipinas star Eya Laure leads the induction of volunteers. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/GprCwwHCxG

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) August 13, 2025

“And this historic event, it’s a huge moment for us to witness. It’s so exciting to see some of the greatest players in the world competing here in the Philippines for the World Championship. It’s truly historic and something that may only happen once in a lifetime.”

The government and other stakeholders and benefactors also expressed their full support to the World Championship with Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, and Senator All Peter Cayetano, co-chairman of the Local Organizing Committee with presidential son Vinny Marcos and Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, gracing the event.

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“We have to do this so well, we have to do this, telling the world that this is the Philippines, we can host properly, this is the showcase of our nation, we are a very beautiful sports tourism destination,” Gregorio said. “I think we all realize that maybe this will not happen again in our lifetime. So let’s give it our best, come together, and help one another.”

“We’re very excited for this event. It’s really very hard to bid and host these events. Magsama-sama po tayo for this event,” Tolentino added.

PNVF and AVC president Tats Suzara thanked fans and urged them to watch the games live, with tickets available at philippineswch2025.com. The Philippines’ representative, Alas Pilipinas, is currently training in Europe, with stops in Morocco, Portugal, and Romania.

“Volleyball fans, we are very grateful. We’ve poured everything into this, battled through every obstacle to deliver this event, and we expect to see you all during the matches,” Suzara said.

“The world’s big four will be here. Our Alas Pilipinas is grinding it out to be worthy to take this floor.”