At the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship in Manila, world volleyball stars and fans found themselves swept up in the full Filipino experience—from Pinoy accents and jeepney rides to heartfelt “thank yous” set to OPM.
Only in the Philippines can a world volleyball championship feel like a fiesta.
At the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship in Manila, the action hasn’t just been on the court—it’s been everywhere, from Instagram stories to jeepney rides.
Team USA’s Erik Shoji and Micah Christenson instantly won the crowd when they tried speaking with a Pinoy accent.
Bulgarian star Alex Nikolov added his own touch of sentiment.
His Instagram story—“Thanks Philippines”—paired with Rob Deniel’s cover of Nandito Ako, felt like a love letter to the fans who have embraced every team like family.
And the culture swap didn’t stop there.
Polish supporters went full local mode, hopping on jeepneys, waving flags, and shouting “para, para!” like they’d been riding them forever.
Volleyball may have brought the world to Manila, but it’s the Filipino experience—equal parts warmth, humor, and karaoke vibes—that’s stealing the spotlight.
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Inna Mina is a sportswriter with a passion for telling stories that go beyond the scoreboard.
She covers running, athletics, and other major Philippine sporting events, while also following grassroots sports, athlete journeys, and women in sports. Her work also includes lifestyle stories on health, fitness, and community.