FIVB worlds trophy and mascot tour wraps up in CdO

CAGAYAN DE ORO provided over the weekend another electrifying reception to the forthcoming 2025 FIVB Men’s World Volleyball Championship to wrap up the three-city “Set Na Natin ‘To Trophy and Mascot Tour” at the SM Downtown CDO.

With Alas Pilipinas pool member Elijah Kim and former volleyball player Dylan Ytorralde—now an actor and a PBB Housemate—regaling the crowd with mascots Hataw and Koolog, the tour ended the way it started three weeks ago—with a bang.

“We’re 12 days to Day 1 and we appreciate the warm and raucous reception for the world championship in these three-city tour,” said Ramon “Tats” Suzara, president of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation and the Asian Volleyball Confederation.

The world championship starts next Friday (September 12) at the SM Mall of Asia Araneta with Alas Pilipinas and Tunishia clashing in a Pool A match at 6 p.m. followed by an electrifying opening ceremony featuring K-Pop group BOYNEXTDOOR and Karencitta.

The 32-nation world championship will go on until September 28 both at the at the SM MOA Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum with tickets available at official website https://www.philippineswch2025.com/.

Gracing the event were PNVF Mindanao Charter Member Alexander Adeva, head of the region’s volleyball association; Cagayan de Oro City Sports Office OIC Abby Cris Waga, representing Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy; and Department of Tourism Region 10 director Marie Elaine Unchuan along with John Baclig, JM Delvo and Elvie Mae Amay, as well as SM Downtown CDO mall manager Paolo V Zulueta and mall marketing manager Bambi Ochavo-Ditona.

The trophy and mascot tour kicked off at the SM Seaside in Cebu City two weekends ago and visited Laoag City the previous weekend before culminating in Cagayan de Oro. DANNY SIMON

HATAW (blue) and Koolog (red) strike a pose at the iconic McArthur in Cagayan de Oro City. PNVF Photo