The Philippines has the longest Christmas season in the world starting in September all the way to the final month of the year.
The University of Northern Philippines men’s volleyball team already got their gift that could play a huge role in their development not only as athletes but as individuals.
The Sharks, as their team is called, were gifted by UNP President Erwin Cadorna tickets to the grandest stage of the sport happening some 400 kilometers away from their school in Vigan City at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Although some of them could not go, 16 players, who are all looking to reach the highest level of competition too in the future, arrived on Tuesday morning in Pasay City to witness the games of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship including the country’s own Alas Pilipinas going head-to-head with Egypt later in the day.
"Actually, our coach, coach Leo Baja, said back then that the president of the university himself would give us a gift, which was supposed to be in December, but fortunately, it turned out to be this! Suddenly," shared Jonard Aquino, the team's libero.
"This is a huge opportunity for us, especially for our players. Even last night before the trip, we were super excited about going here because, it's the World Championship, the best international players, anyone, would be excited," he continued, still in disbelief that they are at the venue where greatness is shown.
The Sharks, who compete in the State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association Region 1, will also see world No. 3 Brazil going against Czechia, Iran facing Tunisia, and Serbia taking on China.
For Aquino, although they had already watched Alas Pilipinas live when they were in Candon City for the 2025 SEA V.League first leg in May, this would be on another level as the Philippines takes on some of the world’s best and brightest.
He is keeping a close eye on Alas libero Josh Ybañez - his idol, who now plays libero despite being a two-time UAAP MVP as an outside spiker.
"Personally, I idolize Josh Ybañez. It's not my first time watching him live because I watched him when they played us in Candon, but this is the highest level, it's the World Championship so it inspires and motivates us to push more in our passion for playing volleyball," Aquino said.
Truly, the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship is a gift that keeps on giving.
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