Crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena during Alas Pilipinas' match against Egypt in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship, September 16, 2025. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News
MANILA — Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Ramon "Tats" Suzara has responded to critics of the country's hosting of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship.
The public noticed the empty seats during the 32-nation tourney's pool phase and took to social media to express their frustrations, saying it was due to the expensive ticket prices.
The local organizing committee responded by giving out 30 percent discounts on select tickets for the rest of the tournament.
Suzara on Tuesday said that the audience reception is "good," including the opening ceremony, while acknowledging that the pool phase games without popular countries like Japan, Brazil, and the United States could not generate as many seats.
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"So far, it’s good. You know, 'yung sinasabi, kung may naninira man na empty seats, siguro [pinupuna] 'yung opening ceremony, 'yung ibang tao na-late, it was a good audience," said Suzara, who is also the Executive Vice President of the FIVB.
"Go watch Japan sa Araneta, puno. USA, last night dito alas-onse na natapos, ang dami pa rin nanood. Sabi ko nga, if I were a volleyball fan, siyempre ngayon World Championship is 17 days, diba? So ipunin ko muna 'yung pipiliin kong larong gusto kong panoorin dahil pagdating ng Round of 16, doon na 'yung top 16 and then quarterfinals pa. So, mahaba pa diba?" he added.
"Itong pool phase, siyempre 'yung ibang tao hindi kilala 'yung Chile, hindi kilala 'yung Portugal—mamimili sila ng ano except 'yung popular na matches Japan, USA, Brazil—diba, Brazil maraming nanood," he added.
READ: FIVB Men's World Championship ticket prices lowered amid public clamor
"Anyway, we can’t make everybody happy," said the chief of Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC).
Suzara asked the public to "be positive" and refrain from indulging in the "negatives," citing Southeast Asia's rise to prominence in the sport as Thailand also hosted the women's counterpart of the world championship.
"We are bringing tourism here, and we’re bringing the Philippines on the world map for volleyball. Like Thailand, first time din nila sa world championship, tayo rin first time din tayo. It’s just that we have to think positive. Eh kasi sometimes may iba tayong reporter, ang gustong tingnan one side lang, gusto lang maka-nega," Suzara said.
"Pare-pareho naman tayong Pilipino, ano ba gusto natin, laging negative? Dapat positive diba. Hindi puwede 'yung magpakita, sa dami-dami naman ng ipi-picture, one side, bakit ayaw mong kumanan? kumaliwa? bakit 'yun? bakit? Who benefits from getting negative? Sila rin, hindi ako."
The men's world championship will run until September 28 at the Mall of Asia Arena and Araneta Coliseum. The final matches will be graced by Brazilian volleyball superstar and Senator Leila Barros.
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