Philippines, Sept. 21 -- MANILA - Alas Pilipinas marked a breakthrough in the FIVB Men's World Championship after notching its first-ever victory in the tournament, a milestone that boosted the country's standing in international volleyball.
The team's performance improved the Philippines' world ranking from No. 88 to No. 77, placing it 19th out of 32 teams in the ongoing World Championship.
The Philippines is behind France (18th) and ahead of traditional contenders Cuba (No. 20) and Germany (No. 21).
Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano, co-chair of the local organizing committee, said host countries with lower rankings are often expected to play only for experience.
"Usually kapag host country at mababa ang ranking, pinapalaro ...