Honda Philippines Brings the Excitement to the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship

Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI), the No. 1 motorcycle manufacturer in the country, has joined the roster of sponsors for the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship (VMWC), one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world.

 

The tournament will bring together the globe’s top national teams to Manila from September 12 to 28, 2025, in Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City and in Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City, which will be featured across different media platforms and mainstream channels, including RPTV, One Sports, One Sports HD, and digital streaming through Pilipinas Live.

 

Honda is proud to be part of this global stage, reinforcing its commitment to inspire the youth while embracing the passion, energy, and excellence that world-class volleyball represents. As part of its sponsorship, HPI also showcased its newest motorcycle lineup: The All-New PCX160, The All-New Honda NAVi and Winner X.

 

Ahead of the championship, HPI has already kicked off activities to engage fans and communities nationwide. These included the official Kick-Off event at SM Mall of Asia Music Hall last August 13, followed by a Road Tour Activity across SM Stores in Cebu (SM Seaside Cebu – August 16), Laoag (SM Laoag City – August 23), and Cagayan de Oro (SM CDO Premiere – August 30).

This marks the first time a Southeast Asian country will host the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship (VMWC), making Honda Philippines, Inc. participation even more meaningful. The featured motorcycles are not just products, but a symbol of freedom, endurance, and innovation—values that resonate strongly with the on-ground volleyball action.

 

“Honda is honored to be part of this historic moment in Philippine sports. Just like the world-class athletes competing in this tournament, we at Honda Philippines are continually striving to inspire and empower the youth with advanced, safe, and innovative mobility solutions,” said Ms. Apple Magaling, HPI Motorcycle Planning Department Manager.

 

For more information, visit www.hondaph.com. Stay updated on Honda’s newest products and promos by following Honda Philippines, Inc. on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. For inquiries, contact (02)-8581-6700 to 6799, and 0917-884-6632.

Rebisco Volleyball Academy Launched

To play at an elite level in international competitions and ultimately score a podium finish has always been the country’s volleyball dream.

But to become elite in any sport, the effort must begin in the grassroots.

Thus Republic Biscuit Corporation (Rebisco), a committed supporter of Philippine volleyball, launched the Rebisco Volleyball Academy to train coaches and game officials on international coaches and refereeing standards to put them at par with their counterparts in other countries in Asia and the world.

The snacks and biscuits company believes that the development and competitiveness of volleyball athletes are due to the quality of coaching and officiating in the schools. Thus, coaches and referees must learn concepts, skills, and modern, scientific approaches for the game consistent with international standards.

The 5-day courses for volleyball coaches and referees had a pilot run in Naga City, Tacloban City, and Cagayan De Oro City last March and April. Four more courses were conducted in October and November in Numancia, Aklan; Dauis, Bohol; Infanta, Quezon and Morong, Rizal in response to LGU requests.

Over 200 coaches and 200 referees benefited from the courses conducted by volleyball experts. They were conducted in person, endorsed by local government units, and approved by the IATF. Strict health and safety protocols were followed.

Theory courses highlighting scientific research, game trends, new philosophies, and concepts were shared with coaches who were oriented based on a unified system for volleyball coaches’ training worldwide. Coaches were also given the opportunity to exchange views and experiences with trainers and fellow coaches.

Referees meanwhile participated in drills and on-court activities that improved their technical abilities, perceptive responses, and judgment decisions. They were also given the most comprehensive interpretation of game rules.

“We learned new skills, new tactics, and new rules that will help us a lot in handling our players and in refereeing the game. All that we learned from Day 1 to Day 5 we will take to heart and put into practice when we go back to our schools. We thank Rebisco for this opportunity. This is only the beginning,” said Coach Lutchina Tabuso of Timoteo Reyes Memorial School in Morong, Rizal.

“We are happy that the Rebisco Volleyball Academy is now a reality. It is the fulfillment of a grassroots program approved by the Philippine Sports Commission that aims to, among other things, develop a pool of people with technical volleyball know-how who can teach and improve the level of competition in their respective areas,” explained Noric Ng, Business Unit Head of Rebisco.

“The Academy will fire up volleyball enthusiasm in the provinces after the long hiatus from the pandemic. Ultimately, we hope to attain our long-term goal of being able to compete at a higher level locally and abroad,” Ng added.

Foreign teams, organizers impressed with Filipino crowds, hosting of FIVB World Tour Manila Open

THE Philippines proved to the world that it can host a magnitude of an event such as the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Manila Open.

   

Beach Volleyball Republic co-founder Charo Soriano was delighted that as first-time hosts, the country was able to hold a successful international beach volleyball tournament. 

   

"I'm very much humbled and very happy. It's was very fulfilling to see the number of people watching and the amount of support that we are getting for beach volleyball -- not only for the Philippine team but even for other athletes as well," said Soriano. 

   

Playing in front of a big appreciative crowd that packed Sands SM By The Bay, Japan’s Ayumi Kusano and Takemi Nishibori won their first World Tour women's gold medal following a quick 21-14, 21-18 conquest of Spain’s Maria Belen Carro and Paula Soria in the final.

   

Germany’s Max-Jonas Karpa and Milan Sievers also snatched their first-ever FIVB World Tour men's gold, beating Russia's Petr Bakhnar and Taras Myskiv in come-from-behind fashion, 15-21, 23-21, 15-9.

   

Filipino fans were treated to and spoiled with world-class beach volleyball action in the four-day, one-star tournament.    

   

"Hopefully this is the start. This can be the catalyst for what we really want, which is beach volleyball to be here in the Philippines. And it’s a sport for the masses talaga. A sport that people can enjoy and that everybody can learn to love as well," Soriano said.

   

Among the four Filipina pairs that competed, Sisi Rondina and Dzi Gervacio advanced the most, making it to the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, reigning BVR national champions Karen Quilario and Lot Catubag secured a round-of-12 spot and were just a point away from advancing to the top eight. Both feats, Soriano considered to be a breakthrough for the sport in the country. 

   

The Filipinas defied tremendous odds - especially with Rondina and Gervacio beating much taller and experienced pairs from the United States and Canada, and Quilario and Catubag, who pushed reigning Asian U19 champions Thailand to three extended sets before losing in a valiant effort.

   

"It's a very momentous event, this one," said Soriano, who herself competed along with Bea Tan. "First, because a lot of the Philippine teams really didn't have programs prior to this event. We have BVR, we have regional tours, we have national championships. But in terms of having a proper national training pool program, it's still non-existent. But despite that, we were able to garner wins in the first-ever FIVB tournament that we are entering as national team. 

   

"Napakasaya po kasi we are very proud of the rest of the Philippine delegation. Even though our men's teams didn't really win, you can really see that they were competent. They were competitive." 

   

The FIVB World Tour is a good gauge for those vying for slots in future beach volleyball tournaments like next year's Southeast Asian Games that the Philippines is hosting. 

   

Soriano thanked Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas Inc. acting president Peter Cayco and secretary-general Ricky Palou for their support and overseeing the event. The event is supported by Dataland, Dataland Residentials, The Olive Place, Rebisco, Creamline, Globe, Maynilad, Gatorade, Tryp and Hotel 101.

   

"We just need the proper support and of course, continous programs in time for SEA Games next year. That's really the goal and that's why we wanted to push for an international tournament as well in preparation for next year's SEA Games," said Soriano. 

   

With the way the Manila Open has turned out, another one-star tournament in the coming years is not far fetched.

   

"For sure, it won't be the last," said Soriano. "Being the first-time hosts and speaking as an organizer, we had setbacks as well, we had problems, but nothing that teamwork cannot fix."

The event is promoted by E-Plus Global Sdn Bhd and organized by Beach Volleyball Republic Inc.

*This is Press Release

One PH Team Still Standing in FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Manila Open

SISI Rondina and Dzi Gervacio became the last Filipina pair standing in the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Manila Open following a 21-17, 21-17 conquest of Canada's Caleigh Cruickshank and Megan Nagy in the round-of-12 yesterday at the Sands SM By The Bay. 

     

With modest expectations of playing well against international, battle-tested sand court veterans, Gervacio was satisfied things went with her maiden partnership with Rondina in the one-star tournament.

     

"Ako, hindi ko talaga inii-expect na malayo ang mararating namin. Na aabot kami ng Day 2," said Gervacio, one of Beach Volleyball Republic’s co-founders. "Kasi, ako personally, I haven't trained internationally. And I know for a fact na matatangkad ang kalaban natin. But from the get-go, noong nakalaban namin ang USA, alam ko may pag-asa tayo."

     

Rondina and Gervacio compensated for the size disadvantage with solid defense in the sand and by playing smart.

       

It was Rondina and Gervacio's second win in the one-star tournament following last Friday's 21-12, 21-16 conquest of the United States' Lindsey Fuller and Kaley Melville at the women's main draw opener.

     

Also, the duo somehow avenged the loss of their fellow Filipina bets Charo Soriano and Bea Tan to their Canadian opponents, 12-21, 15-21, in the losers' bracket Friday that eliminated them in the tournament.

       

Earlier, the Philippines' other remaining hope, Lot Catubag and Karen Quilario of the PNP, bowed out after a heartbreaking 34-36, 23-25, 15-17 loss to Thailand's Thatsarida Singchuea and Pawarun Chanthawichai.

     

Catubag and Quilario were in match point late in the second frame and twice in the deciding set, but the pair from Tagum could not close out against the young Thai duo, the newly-minted Asian U19 beach volleyball champions.

     

"More teamwork and more practice," said Quilario after the match. 

     

After Thailand went at match point, the Philippines needed a medical timeout as Catubag went down with cramps. She eventually returned to the sand, but the Thais were able to complete the kill in the tournament's most exciting match that sent every set to extension.

     

If given the chance to play more FIVB World Tour events outside the country, the reigning two-time Beach Volleyball Republic national champions are willing to join to gain more experience.

     

"Gusto naming maglaro kahit saan para exposure na rin," said Quilario. 

     

"Kung bibigyan kami ng pagkakataon, iga-grab namin ang opportunity na maglaro ng ganitong level. Maraming gustong maglaro pero bihira lang ang magbigyan ng pagkakataon sa ganitong competition," said Catubag.

       

In other round of 12 matches, Germany's Lisa-Sophie Kotzan and Leonie Klinke prevailed over The Netherlands Katja Stam and Lisa Wouters, 21-11, 21-19, while the United States' Lindsey Fuller and Kaley Melville beat Norway's Janne Pedersen and Hanne Zylstra, 21-15, 21-17.

     

Men's round-of-12 action saw Spain's Javier and Alejandro Huerta upset Martin Appelgren and Simon Boman of top-seed Sweden, 24-22, 21-15, to make it to the quarters.

     

Felix Friedl and Maximillian Trummer defeated Jorg Wutzl and Simon Fruhbauer, in an all-Austrian duel, 23-21, 21-19, Russia's Petr Bakhnar and Taras Myskivsurge past Chinese Taipei Wang Chin-Ju and Hsieh Ya-Jen, 21-14, 21-8, while Australia's Marcus Fegurson and Tom Dickson swept Hong Kong's Kevib Lau Tsz Ho and Wong Pui Lam, 21-15, 21-15.

The event is promoted by E-Plus Global Sdn Bhd and organized by Beach Volleyball Republic Inc.

*This is Press Release

Rondina, Gervacio give PH its first win in FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Manila Open

The duo of SISI Rondina and Dzi Gervacio, the Philippines' best team bet in the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Manila Open, swept United States' Lindsey Fuller and Kaley Melville, 21-12, 21-16, at the start of the women's main draw yesterday at the Sands SM By The Bay. 

       

Although first-time partners in the sand court, Rondina and Gervacio seemed to have played together for so long, as the two used smart plays, solid attacking and sharp service against the much-taller Americans to give the country the much-needed win in the one-star tournament.

       

"We just played. We didn’t look at their perceived advantage over us and we didn’t think of how much bigger and taller they were,” said Rondina, who trained only with Gervacio for two weeks but has apparently connected so well.

     

"What we did was just showcase what we were capable of, what we could be proud of as Filipinos in front of the crowd rooting for us,” she added.

       

Rondina is the most experienced among Philippine team members, having played with Bernadeth Pons in last year's 29th Southeast Asian Beach Volleyball Championships in Singapore.

       

Other Filipinas who are making their FIVB World Tour debut were not as fortunate as they dropped their main draw openers.

       

DM Demontaño and Jackie Estoquia bowed to top-ranked Michelle Amarilla and Erika Bobadilla of Paraguay, 19-21, 13-21. Charo Soriano and Bea Tan were overwhelmed by Japan's Ayumi Kusano and Takemi Nishibori, 10-21, 9-21, while Karen Quilario and Lot Catubag lost to The Netherlands' Katja Stam and Julia Wouters, 13-21, 11-21. 

     

Demontaño and Estoquia were in control in the opening set, 12-9, but the Paraguayans rallied to prevail and eventually win in straight sets.

     

Soriano and Tan valiantly battled against the Japanese, who displayed superiority in every skill.

     

Kusano however, had kind words for Soriano and Tan, describing them as "Very good," during their FIVB World Tour debut. 

This is Kusano’s second appearance in the Philippines, having played for Japan that won an invitational tournament at the air-conditioned Philsports Arena three years ago.

     

Kusano and partner Nishibori struggled with the hot weather, describing the outside court as “very different” and the conditions as very difficult”.

     

As for the Filipino men’s teams who were seeking the needed experience in international play, they went winless in their respective men's main draw openers.

       

Calvin Sarte and Jade Becaldo narrowly lost to Sweden's Martin Appelgren and Simon Boman, 24-26, 23-21, 13-15, while Ranran Abdilla and Edwin Tolentino dropped a similar heartbreaking loss against Hong Kong's Kevin Lao Tsz Ho and Wong Pui Lam, 18-21, 22-20, 10-15. 

       

Kevin Juban and Raphy Abanto bowed to Austria's Florian Schetzer and Daniel Mullner, 10-21, 14-21, while KR Guzman and James Pecaña also took a straight sets loss to Chinese-Taipei's Wang Chin-Ju and Hsieh Ya-Jen, 20-22, 14-21.d

Rounds of 12 in both men’s and women’s divisions and the quarterfinals are the focus of action tomorrow, May 5, in two courts at The Sands from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The event is promoted by E-Plus Global Sdn Bhd and organized by Beach Volleyball Republic Inc.

*This is Press Release

FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Manila Open starts today (May 3) Men's qualifiers begin 8 a.m. at The Sands SM By the Bay

THE Philippines takes centerstage as first-time FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour hosts unveil the men's division qualifiers at the Sands SM By The Bay starting at 8 a.m today (May 3).

       

Sisi Rondina, the three-time UAAP champion who played in last year's 29th Southeast Asian Beach Volleyball Championships in Singapore, vows to make the country proud when the 16-team women's draw blasts off tomorrow (May 4).

     

"It’s an overwhelming feeling. First, because we’re hosting this world event. Second, because we are playing for the country. Sobrang nakaka-proud," said Rondina, who will be paired with Dzi Gervacio in the one-star tournament organized by the Beach Volleyball Republic.

     

As the top Philippine duo wrap up their preparations today, Rondina and Gervacio are more than ready to face a tough international competition in the four-day event which has a $10,000 cash prize and ranking points for other FIVB beach volley tourneys.

     

"We’re training very hard. Since the league is the FIVB World Tour, we expect taller and really very strong competition. What we’re focusing on is how we can strengthen our bonds and connect with each other on court. So far, in training, we have developed good communication with one another and have started to jell,” Rondina added.

     

The three other Filipina pairs competing are Charo Soriano and Bea Tan, two-time Beach Volleyball Republic national champions Karen Quilario and Lot Catubag, and wildcard entries DM Demontaño and Jackie Estoquia.

BVR national champions Jade Becaldo and Calvin Sarte, Kevin Juban and Raphy Abanto, James Pecaña and KR Guzman, and Ranran Abdilla and Edwin Tolentino comprise the Filipino casts in the men's division

     

Four slots in the main draw are at stake in the men's division qualifiers today. The main draw for women and men is set tomorrow, with the schedule to be released tonight.

The round-of-12 and quarterfinals are scheduled on Saturday, with the semifinals and finals on Sunday. 

The event is promoted by E-Plus Global Sdn Bhd and organized by Beach Volleyball Republic Inc.

*This is Press Release

FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Manila Open starts May 3

A SLEW of talented international players vying for tournament points are arriving today as they brace for the main draw of the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Manila Open set to open later this week at the Sands SM By The Bay. 

Paraguay's Michelle Amarilla, who with Gabriela Filippo battled with the legendary United States pair of April Ross and Kerri Walsh Jennings in the first knock-out round of the 2015 Beach Volleyball World Championships, will banner the 16-pair women's cast. 

The highest rated team in the field, Amarilla will have Erika Bobadilla as her partner in the competition which the Philippines is making its hosting debut. The Paraguayans hope to bounce back in Manila after the duo failed to make it to the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Malaysia Open semifinals in Langkawi last Sunday.

Ayumi Kusano, who played for Japan that won the Spike for Peace beach volleyball crown in 2015 at the Philsports Arena with Akiko Hasegawa, will return for another run at glory, this time with her partner Takemi Nishibori.

The young Netherlands pair of Katja Stam and Julia Wouters, who lost to Russia’s Ksenia Dabizha and Daria Mastikova in the women’s gold medal match of the Malaysia Open last Sunday, will also be worth-watching in the $10,000, one-star tournament organized by the Beach Volleyball Republic

Another player to watch out in the Manila Open is Lindsey Fuller, the 2014 US NVL Most Improved Player who will be paired with Kaley Melville for United States.

In the men's division, Austria’s Simon Fruhbauer and Jorg Wutzl, who earned their first FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour gold medal at the Malaysia Open last Sunday at the expense Russia’s Petr Bakhnar and Taras Myskiv, will be the tandem to watch out.

The Austrian pair has been playing together since 2016.

Silver medalists Bakhnar and Myskiv will also be here in Manila along with Germany's Paul Becker and Eric Stadie, who lost to Thailand's I. Nuttanon and P. Sedtawat in the bronze medal match in Langkawi Open last weekend.

The highest-rated team in the men's division is Sweden's Martin Apprelgen and Simon Boman, who placed ninth in Langkawi. 

Among those early arrivals is Israel, which split its four tune-up sets with Filipinos James Pecaña and KR Guzman, and Ranran Abdilla and Edwin Tolentino Monday night.  Israel is among the 16 teams vying for four men's slots in the main draw.

The Philippines has entered four women's pairs in the main draw, with high-flying University of Santo Tomas standout Sisi Rondina and Dzi Gervacio leading the charge.

Rondina, a three-time UAAP beach volleyball champion, is no stranger to international tournaments, having represented the Philippines in last year's 29th Southeast Asian Beach Volleyball Championships in Singapore with Bernadeth Pons.

Other Filipinas competing are sand court veterans Charo Soriano and Bea Tan, two-time BVR national champions Karen Quilario and Lot Catubag, and wildcard entries DM Demontaño and Jackie Estoquia.

     

BVR national champions Jade Becaldo and Calvin Sarte and Kevin Juban and Raphy Abanto complete the men's cast.

     

The competition will commence with the men's division qualifiers on Thursday and before moving into the main draw for women and men on Friday.

       

The round of 12 and the quarterfinals are scheduled on Saturday with the semifinals and finals on Sunday. 

The event is promoted by E-Plus Global Sdn Bhd and organized by Beach Volleyball Republic Inc.