MANILA – First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos will make the ceremonial first serve on opening day (July 4) of the Men's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Week 3 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The First Lady, a seasoned lawyer, will make the serve before the 7 p.m. match between world No. 7 Japan and No. 25 China.
“We are honored with the First Lady, Atty. Liza Marcos, making the first serve in the VNL,” said Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara said on Sunday. “Her presence is greatly appreciated and will definitely boost the VNL and the country on the global volleyball stage.”
The First Lady is the daughter of the late Manuel Araneta, who was a member of the national basketball team that played in the 1948 London Olympics.
Also expected to attend the opening ceremony are Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Richard Bachmann and Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto Rubiano.
World No. 2 Brazil and No. 4 Italy will square off at 3 p.m. on July 4. No. 16 Canada and No. 12 Netherlands will meet at 3 p.m. while No. 1 Poland will face No. 9 Slovenia at 7 p.m. on July 5.
Japan leads the VNL standings with an 8-0 (win-loss) record followed by USA (7-1) and Slovenia (6-2).
Meanwhile, fans can purchase their tickets at Ticketnet.
An exclusive VNL shirt will also be given to every purchase of Patron Front Row and VIP On Court tickets.
More information are available @volleyball_philippines on Facebook and Instagram for more information and updates. (PNA)
