THE Volleyball Nations League (VNL) returns to the country with the Week 3 Pasay City leg of the men’s division from July 4 to 9 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena with First Lady Liza Marcos expected to make the ceremonial serve.

The VNL’s return was formally announced on Monday in a press conference at the Diamond Hotel with Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Hubert Guevarra representing Malacanang, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Richard Bachmann and Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto Rubiano.

Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Ramon “Tats” Suzara was also on hand during the launching of the event that was first hosted by the PNVF in Quezon City the same month last year.

Volleyball World—organizer of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) series that features the world’s top volleyball nations—sought the PNVF to again host the VNL following last year’s success.

“We have been contracted by the FIVB and the Volleyball World to host the VNL for the next three years. And this is our second year, hoping that it leads us to another successful hosting,” Suzara said.

Eight of the world’s top 25 men’s teams are bringing their elite act rarely seen on Philippine soil.

World No. 1 Poland and No. 3 Brazil, both former Olympics gold medalist, as well as No. 6 Italy, No. 8 Japan, No. 9 Slovenia, No. 12 The Netherlands, No. 15 Canada and No. 25 China form this year’s cast.

World No. 2 Brazil will be facing No. 4 Italy at 3 p.m. on July 4 opening followed by No. 25 China and No. 7 Japan game at 7 pm.

The next day will feature the 3 p.m. match between No. 17 Canada and No. 12 Netherlands while No. 1 Poland and No. 9 Slovenia clash at 7 p.m.

Bachmann thanked the PNVF for hosting another world-level competition that he said would inspire more Filipinos to pursue the sport as an athlete, coach or organizer.

Rubiano, on the other hand, reiterated Pasay City’s full support to the VNL.

“Do know that in every dig, every set and every spike, Pasay City will always be cheering and rooting for you—with the rest of the world watching with us,” she said.

Also present during the launch were Arnel Gonzales, General Manager, Senior Vice President and Business Unit head of the MOA Arena, and George Reynoso, Room Division Manager of Diamond Hotel.

With them were PNVF directors Tonyboy Liao and Yul Benosa and secretary-general Donald Caringal.

The Philippine men’s squad led by returnee Marck Espejo will be battling The Netherlands in a tune-up match on July at the Rizal Memorial Sports Coliseum.

A tune-up game against China is also being considered.

This year’s VNL will be more intense and energetic with fans getting actively involved with every play and with every rally—all within an “active engagement” campaign wherein the in-stadium experience is boosted with the fans’ reactions on every ace, spike and block.

The game is not only experienced inside the court. Fans are also treated with an immersive experience throughout the arena—booths from sponsors and activations where fans can engage will be available at the arena.

Fans can also choose from the multiple VNL merchandise of their favorite teams, priceless items a volleyball fan will cherish for a lifetime.

Fans can also get an exclusive VNL shirt for every purchase of Patron Front Row and VIP On Court tickets. More surprises are in store – check out @volleyball_philippines on Facebook and Instagram for more information and updates.