Filipino Volleyball Sees Spike in Support
People around the world might not have heard of the Creamline Cool Smashers or the Choco Mucho Flying Titans. But in the Philippines, they're becoming quite well known.

These are two of the country's top female volleyball teams. And in the Philippines, the sport has never been bigger.

During the coronavirus pandemic, officials decided to make the women's Premier Volleyball League a professional competition.

At first, no fans were able to watch live. But when doors opened again, people were ready to support their favorite players — and they came by the thousands.

More than 24,000 people went to watch Creamline and Choco Mucho in December 2023, a Filipino record for a women's volleyball game.

Some players have become household names, including Jaja Santiago and Alyssa Valdez.

And the sport got another boost this year when the women's national team won its first-ever medal at the Asian Volleyball Challenge Cup, beating Australia to finish third.

Men's volleyball hasn't enjoyed quite the same success, however — in the Philippines, the sport has sometimes been seen as a women's game.

There isn't a professional league for men, although the college leagues are attracting more attention.

But things could be about to change.

The Philippines has been chosen as the host of 2025 Men's Volleyball Championship, and the home team will be taking part for the first time.

Thirty-two of the world's best teams will arrive in the Philippines in September next year.

The Philippines might not yet be strong enough to win the 2025 tournament, but officials from the country are already working on improving their teams. And an organization called Fil-Nation Select has been looking for future stars of Filipino ancestry who are playing volleyball in places like the US.

In the Philippines, there is a feeling that this is an exciting time for volleyball.