September 29, 2025
MANILA – It will be the Alas Pilipinas women’s turn to parade its wares to the world as the Philippines was awarded the hosting rights to the 2029 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship.
In the conclusion of the historic Men’s World Championship, FIVB president Fabio Azevedo and Brazilian volleyball icon and senator Leila Barros announced another grand volleyball event happening in the country four years from now.
READ: Leila Barros in awe of PH volleyball’s growth
“Thank you very much for your warm welcome. Thank you for hosting the best world championships ever. But now, when you’re thinking that we’re going to the end, we have an amazing surprise,” said the FIVB president.
Barros, who had a nostalgic trip as a guest of honor in the World Championship finals, made the surprising announcement to the delight of the fans inside the Mall of Asia Arena for the Italy-Bulgaria men’s final.
“Hello, everybody. The women’s volleyball world championship 2029 will be in the Philippines. Mahal ko kayo!” said Barros.
Alas Pilipinas women, led by Jia De Guzman and Dawn Catindig under coach Jorge De Brito, were also surprised upon hearing the announcement.
“We’re just so, so happy as in! At first, we couldn’t believe it. Then suddenly, we were in this position where we’re given a lot of time to prepare,” said De Guzman.
“And seeing what the Alas Men’s team was able to do with just 16 months of preparation and how well they performed, it really shows that there are so many possibilities. We’re just grateful we’re getting this opportunity too, especially now that it’s the women’s turn.”
De Guzman and Alas will be vying for a medal in this year’s Southeast Asian Games in Thailand in December.
Italy ruled this year’s Women’s World Championship in Thailand. USA and Canada will co-host the next one in 2027.