FIVB world c'ship.. SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER LEILA BARROS

VOLLEYBALL icon Leila Barros returns to Manila after 25 years as guest of honor at the final of the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship on September 28 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Barros, who captured the hearts of Filipino fans during the 2000 FIVB Grand Prix, expressed her excitement to reconnect with them. She confirmed her attendance via an Instagram post shortly after the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) announced her return on Friday night.

“What a joy it will be to reconnect with these passionate volleyball fans,” Barros said. “See you soon!”

“It is with a heart full of gratitude that I receive this very special invitation. Returning to the Philippines, where I have always been welcomed with such warmth, is incredibly exciting,” said Barros, now 53 and serving as a senator in Brazil.

“Being present at the finals of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball World Championship will be a great honor.”

Tickets to the tournament, which runs from September 12 to 28 at the Araneta Coliseum and Mall of Asia Arena, are available via the official website: philippineswch2025.com.

PNVF President Ramon “Tats” Suzara called the return of the three-time Olympian (1996, 2000, 2004) a gift to millions of Filipino volleyball fans.

“She captured the hearts of many Filipinos during her 2000 visit. Now, Leila Barros returns not only to wow the fans but also to inspire them as a distinguished public role model. She is now an elected public official in Brazil,” Suzara said.

“Every Filipino can’t wait to see her. Everyone is excited.”

The 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship is supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, PAGCOR, the Office of the President, and the Philippine Olympic Committee. It is backed by Rebisco, SM, PLDT, SMART, Metro Pacific Investments, Honda Philippines, Meralco, Sony, Lenovo, and LRT Line 2. The event is officially sanctioned by the FIVB and partnered with Volleyball World, Mikasa (official ball), Mizuno, Gerflor, and Senoh Corporation.

Barros chairs the Sports Committee in the Brazilian Senate and has previously presided over the Environment Committee, led the Women’s Caucus, and served as Deputy Floor Leader for the Government.

Her legislative agenda focuses on three key areas: protecting women—especially in the fight against domestic violence—strengthening sports, and safeguarding the environment.

She has authored five landmark laws: the Anti-Stalking Law, regulation of the carbon market, the General Sports Law, the transformation of the Sports Incentive Law into permanent policy, and the allocation of resources from the National Public Security Fund to combat violence against women.