MANILA, Philippines — Japanese volleyball star Ran Takahashi appreciates his Filipino fans' immense support and love.

The 6-foot-2 spiker recalled his experience in playing in the Philippines during the country's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) hosting last June and shared that it was a pleasure to be backed up by Filipino supporters while he's playing for the Japanese volleyball team.

"I have been coming to the Philippines, and I am really amazed. I came to the Philippines before because of the 'Philippines round' [in VNL] and I was really surprised by the supporters, they are supporting me strongly. The stadium was shaking, I felt a lot of emotions, and I really am supported by fans," Takahashi told media at Akari's press conference last Friday, Aug. 23.

With the rising growth of volleyball in the country, the Suntory Sunbirds outside hitter also shared his two cents on how to help the Philippine national volleyball team to upgrade its status.

"The common weak points of Asian teams are height and power. If you look at other countries such as Brazil, they are taller. We need to do high-quality volleyball and focus on the accuracy of our play. By playing in other foreign leagues, the team will gain experience. These are all very important to help the team become stronger," he said.

While the Philippines is slowly building the volleyball program, the importance of "play accuracy" resonates in Alas Pilipinas' historic bronze finish in the AVC 2024 Challenge Cup.

Playmaker and setter Jia Morado-De Guzman, who also has experience in playing in Japan with the Denso Airybees, used her experience and wit to orchestrate plays for the Alas Pilipinas gunners en route to a podium finish.

With Alas Pilipinas men's and women's teams aspiring to stamp their class in the world of volleyball, playing in foreign countries indeed helps the national team as several men's players like Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo bolstered the lineup with their newfound footing inside the court.

The 22-year-old winger also lightened up in the press conference and answered a classic Filipino banter, "What's your favorite number in the electricfan?" The new Akari Ambassador said.

Takahashi, who learned that this question is often asked to prolong a conversation with one's crush, rode on the banter, laughed, and answered, "Number 3," while looking at the handheld Akari turbofan.

He also gave advice to young dreamers who soon want to play in a bigger stadium and want to be successful in their careers as athletes.

"I started playing volleyball when I was six years old. I don't know what the future will be. The higher goal is better, and be challenged. Challenge is good, and having these challenges can help you to be better," he said.

Receiving overwhelming love and support from his fans all over the world, Takahashi shared that he grounds himself by appreciating all things, and never taking anything for granted.

After the press conference, the Japanese volleyball star went to his meet and greet with his fans in SM Megamall, where hundreds of his supporters welcomed him.

The 2023 Asian Championships best outside hitter ended the press conference saying "Thank you," in Filipino.