MANILA – South Korean boy band BOYNEXTDOOR will entertain Filipino fans at the opening day of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Sept. 12.

“It will be one night to remember in the history of world volleyball and the Philippines will be right in the middle of everything,” Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) and Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) president Ramon "Tats" Suzara announced on Wednesday.

With 50 days left before the country's first-time hosting of the 32-nation FIVB MWCH, Suzara said all systems are rolling with tickets to the opening ceremony night now about to sell briskly online through the world championships' official website https://www.philippineswch2025.com/.

“Never in the history of the world championships, men or women, will there be an opening ceremony that will be a concert in atmosphere and featuring BOYNEXTDOOR,” Suzara said.

The Philippines kicks off its campaign against Tunisia starting at 5 p.m., after which the festive and grand opening follow suit with an expected jam-packed SM MOA Arena.

Tickets for opening night are pegged at PHP14,000 for patron (center) and PHP12,500 for patron (back), PHP12,500 for lower box center, PHP8,500 for lower box sides, PHP7,500 for lower box back, PHP5,500 for upper box center, PHP4,500 for upper box sides, PHP2,500 for upper box back, and PHP1,500 for general admission.

BOYNEXTDOOR’s Sungho, Riwoo, Jaehyun, Taesan, Leehan, and Woonhak will be performing their most popular acts as global celebrity ambassadors of the FIVB MWCH set from Sept. 12 to 28 at the SM MOA Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“We have carefully reviewed and decided on the selection of BoyNextDoor as a truly pivotal move in elevating the global profile of volleyball and igniting excitement for the event,” Suzara said.

“With the championship proudly hosted in the Philippines, this partnership presents an incredible opportunity to engage fans across the world, with the BOYNEXTDOOR’s unique appeal and dynamic global influence to attract a wider and more diverse audience profile.”

The PNVF and the Local Organizing Committee – co-chaired by Presidential son William Vincent “Vinny” Araneta Marcos, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, and Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco – believe BOYNEXTDOOR’s involvement and active participation will “encourage increased participation and viewership, both locally and internationally."

“By unifying the worlds of sports and entertainment, and making these work together as one, we aim to spark greater interest in volleyball, promote cultural exchange, and boost local economy through tourism and international engagement,” Suzara said. (PNA)