The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Five-time UAAP men’s volleyball champion National University Bulldogs will carry the Philippine flag in the world’s biggest stage: the 2025 FISU World University Games.
To be handled by multi-titled coach Dante Alinsunurin, the Bulldogs hope to put the country in the international volleyball map when they compete in the men’s volleyball competitions of the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 scheduled July 16-27 in Berlin,Germany.
The Philippines is one of only 16 member-countries invited to play in the men’s volleyball competitions.
“Being chosen to represent the Philippines in the World University Games, also known as the Summer Universiade, is a great accomplishment for the country,” said FESSAP president Edwin C. Fabro.
“Let’s give credit to the hard work and dedication of all the FESSAP officials and members working as part of the FISU family,” added Fabro, who will also be the official flag-bearer.
“Of course, the support of our major sponsors — Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Philippine Airlines, Bestank, Healthy Options, OMNI Electrical and Lighting, LT Group Inc., Kelme Sportswear, Henn Athletic Club, Burlington Socks, Paddocks Casual Jeans, Seascape Village, and Lime Resort Hotel — makes our participation in this FISU-organized event complete.”
The other FESSAP officials in Rhine-Ruhr are Alvin Tai Lian, honorary head of delegation; David Ong of Philippine Airlines and Christian Tan of Healthy Options, deputy heads of delegation; Mary Ng, head of delegation; Frank Lao, deputy head of delegation; Atty. Baldomero C. Estenzo, Graham Lim and Cecille Sarmiento.
NU is also the reigning champion in the Philippine University Volleyball League (PUVL), the official qualifying tournament organized by FESSAP to determine the country’s representative.
In Rhine-Ruhr 2025, NU is listed in Pool C, along with Argentina, Colombia and Poland.
The Filipinos will make their debut against Poland at the Horst-Korber- Sportzentrum in Berlin on July 17.
The following day, July 18, the FIlipinos will take on Colombia at Ballsporthalle Köpenick.
hey conclude their pool assignment against Argentina at the Grosse Sporthalle Sportforum on July 19.
The complete volleyball groupings:
Pool A — Australia, Brazil, Portugal,Taipei.
Pool B – China, Czech Republic, Iran, Japan,
Pool C — Argentina, Colombia, Philippines, Poland.
Pool D — Germany, Italy, Korea, United States.
As the country’s sole volleyball representative to the Rhine-Ruhr 2025, NU brings with it an impressive credential.
Under Alinsunurin, the Bulldogs dominated the UAAP volleyball competitions from 2018-2024.
Last May, NU defeated Far Eastern University, 25-16, 28-26, 25-23, in the third and deciding game at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City to complete a rare five-peat.
Overall, both NU and Alinsunurin have now won seven UAAP titles.
Leading the NU campaign in Germany are Leo Ordiales, who scored 13 points on 10 attacks and three blocks, and Rwenzmel Taguibolos, who added 10 points in the Bulldogs’ title-clinching victory over the Tamaraws last May 15
The other members of the NU team are Jimwell Gapultos, Jan Lian Fred Abanilla, Greg Augustus Luis Ancheta, Mac Arvin Bandola, Leo Aringo Jr., Jenngerard Arnfranz Diao, Michaelo Buddin, Jade Alex Disquitado, Jeffe Gallego Jr., and Herbert Miguel P. Egger.
The Philippines-NU volleyball team manager is Dennis Abcede Jr. with team officials Dante Alinsunurin Jr., Ariel B. Dela Cruz, Jessie P. Lopez, Raymund Franza, John Aries, Benedict B. Pejo, and Albert Ray Alejandro.
The Philippine volleyball team will be accompanied by FESSAP board officials Prof. Robert Milton Calo, and Allan Soria.