Alas proves doubters wrong in world championship

For a handful of Filipinos, believing only comes when you start winning.

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Alas Pilipinas, lacking the height, the experience, and the caliber that most presumed to be an unassailable badge at the peak of the world volleyball championship Manila is hosting this month, was at the wrong end of the people's wrath after a dismal opener last Sept. 12, against Tunisia.

It didn't help that the venue, the Mall of Asia Arena, was half empty. President Marcos and the First Lady were with the 9,000-plus in attendance who witnessed firsthand how the Philippine team struggled heavily against the African giants, against the backdrop of vacant seats largely blamed on exorbitant ticket prices that were unreachable for ordinary fans.