MANILA, Philippines — As a prelude to the country's hosting of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship, the yearlong countdown begins on Saturday, Sept. 7, with Alas Pilipinas men's and women's team playing friendly matches with Japanese clubs.
Ramon Suzara, president of Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) and Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC), said that these friendlies are part of the weeklong ceremony for the much-anticipated draw on Sept. 14.
'These friendlies are a friendly match, the teams are very strong. This is also a good experience since we will play against strong teams from Japan,' he said during the Alas Invitationals press conference at the EDSA Shangrila Hotel in Manila on Friday, Sept. 6.
The Alas Pilipinas women will go up against the nine-time Japan V.League champion Hisamitsu Springs at 3 p.m., while the men's team take on Japan V.League's top team Osaka Blueton at 6 p.m., at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
The kickoff concert for the country's hosting of the World Championships will commence on Sept. 15, hosted by the Malacañang Palace.

'The government shows full support of the world championships since volleyball is a competition and it also helps the tourism side,' Suzara said.