5 days ago
Meet Koolog, Hataw, and Kidlat — the mascots for the 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship
The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) kicked off the month-long countdown to the 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship in the Philippines. On Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia, the sports body also introduced the official mascots for the global event.
Meet Koolog, Hataw, and Kid Lat.
Koolog sounds like the Filipino word for thunder (kulog), while Kid Lat resembles the Filipino word for lightning.
Hataw, meanwhile, is a ball-shaped mascot whose name could be from the Filipino word for "hit."
More than just introducing the mascots, PNVF president Ramon "Tats" Suzara said the Philippines is preparing to showcase the country's best to the global volleyball community.
'Volleyball fans, we are very grateful. We've poured everything into this, battled through every obstacle to deliver this event, and we expect to see you all during the matches,' Suzara said during the 'Set Natin 'To' launch event.
'Our Alas Pilipinas is grinding it out to be worthy to take this floor. Join us for 17 days of top-level volleyball.'
Philippine Sports Commission chair Patrick Gregorio said the hosting will also boost the country's sports tourism efforts.
'We have to do this so well, we have to do this telling the world that this is the Philippines, we can host properly, this is the showcase of our nation, we are a very beautiful sports tourism destination,' Gregorio said.
'I think we all realize that maybe this will not happen again in our lifetime. Pagbutihan po natin, magsama-sama po tayo, magtulong-tulong po tayo because 'Set na natin 'to.'
The Philippines will host the event from September 12 to 28 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and the Mall of Asia Arena.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
