FIVB MEN'S WORLD: ALAS PILIPINAS ALL SET, READY AND RARING TO GO!

It’s all systems go for Alas Pilipinas in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championships firing off on September 12 to 28 at the Mall of Asia Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“We are ready to make history,” said Philippine National Volleyball Federation Ramon “Tats” Suzara during the team’s media day on at the National Museum of Natural History in Manila.

Symbolic of the Alas’ quest for glory and history, the entire national team players and coaches looked back first to their roots for some sorts of motivation at the National Museum with four days to go before duking it out against the world volleyball titans in the country’s monumental hosting of the 32-team spectacle for the first time ever.

What started it all for the Philippines’ rich culture and history through the eons are displayed at the National Museum of National History. Beginning on Friday against 11-time African champion, Alas will attempt for more glory with more than 10,000 fans expected to be witnesses.

“We are days away from history. Let’s make this happen and show the world that the Filipinos are one of the best fans in the world,” added Suzara, who also served as president of the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) and executive vice president of the FIVB.

Suzara also leads heads the world championship’s Local Organizing Committee co-chaired by Presidential son William Vincent “Vinny” Araneta Marcos, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, explaining Alas’ first pre-event for the world stage was a visit at the National Museum.

Alas, les by team captain Bryan Bagunas and veteran ace Marck Espejo, roamed around the museum for over an hour to take a trip down memory lane in 12 permanent galleries that exhibit the rich biological and geological diversity of the Philippines.

And for the Filipino spikers to be mentored by Italian champion coach Angiolino Frigoni, it’s more than enough of a fuel to shoot for glory against all odds in Pool A versus No. 13 Iran, African champion and No. 23 Egypt as well as No. 42 Tunisia.

“It’s an honor to be part of this historic event. We’re excited to play and show the level and brand of Philippine volleyball in the world stage,” said Espejo, hoping to also have their European camp in months work wonders for a well campaign against tougher and higher-ranked opponents.

“Sa matagal naming pagsasamq sa Europe, nakila po namin lalo ang isa’t isa. Ready na po kami maglaro para sa bayan. Pangakong gagawin po namin ‘yung best namin hindi lang basta makadikit o makakuha ng set pero para manalo ng games.”

Alas, which refined its bearings against Romania, Morroco and Portugal, takes on Tunisia on Sept. 12 in the opening match of the 32-team tourney, the biggest edition in history with support from Rebisco, SM, PLDT, SMART, Metro Pacific Investment, Honda Philippines, Meralco, Sony, Lenovo, LRT Line 2, officially sanctioned by the FIVB, partnered with Volleyball World, Mikasa, the official ball, Mizuno, Gerflor and Senoh Corporation.

An explosive opening ceremony to be headlined by K-POP group BOYNEXTDOOR is also slated to spice up the world competition. DANNY SIMON