PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reprised his father’s historic ceremonial toss on home soil in the 1978 Fiba Basketball World Cup, albeit in a different sport.
While the Chief Executive missed the 2023 Fiba World Cup opening festivities by mere minutes at the Philippine Arena, he was present this time to do a special first serve in the country’s historic debut at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.
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Marcos Jr. sported a custom Alas Pilipinas jersey with the No. 1 on it in front of a sizeable crowd of mostly local fans, including students, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Present behind him was the first Philippine team set to compete in an FIVB World Championship event, along with PNVF president Tats Suzara and PSC chairman Pato Gregorio.
This became the first appearance of the Philippine president in a men’s national volleyball team match.
Presidential son William Vincent Araneta Marcos, also present at the tournament opener, is the co-chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC).
The Nationals’ first-ever FIVB Worlds match against 11-time African champion is underway, with formidable foes Egypt and Iran still to come in Pool A of the global conclave this week.
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