Warm welcome for volley world at Malacañang

MANILA, Philippines — It was volleyball world at Malacañang’s grounds on Sunday as the drawing of lots the night before extended to a “Concierto sa Palacio” that marked a weekend of celebration for the country’s solo hosting of the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship next year.

President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos and William Vincent Araneta Marcos, co-chair of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the world championship, entertained more than 300 guests with a two-hour concert filled with fun and enthusiasm.

“It’s really unbelievable, I didn’t expect this concert for the world championship, we never expect this,” said Ramon “Tats” Suzara, president of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation and now also the Asian Volleyball Confederation.

“It was fantastic to see how committed the President (Marcos) is in promoting volleyball,” FIVB general director Fabio Azevedo said. “It’s fantastic to see the volleyball euphoria in the Philippines.”