Volleyball takes center stage in Davao City this August as the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitational 2025 – Mindanao Leg gets underway from August 1 to 3 at the USEP Gymnasium and Cultural Center. The event forms part of the city’s vibrant 2025 Kadayawan Festival, blending sport and culture in one electrifying celebration.
Organized by the Athletic Events and Sports Management Group, Inc. (ACES, Inc.), the tournament brings premier volleyball action to Mindanao, with powerhouse squads from Metro Manila and the South converging in Davao. National University (NU) and University of the Philippines (UP) headline the visiting teams, while the home front is well represented by a Davao City Selection Team—made up of standouts from University of Mindanao, Holy Cross College, and Ateneo de Davao—and a Southern Mindanao Selection Team led by Notre Dame of Dadiangas University (NDDU).
As part of Shakey’s Philippines’ 50th Anniversary Celebration, the Mindanao Leg showcases the SSL’s commitment to grassroots development and national inclusivity. The league, conceptualized and managed by ACES in partnership with Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures, Inc. and CHED since 2022, continues to elevate collegiate volleyball across the country. Its impact was solidified with the CHED Leadership Award for Private Partners in Commercial Tertiary Leagues in 2024, recognizing the SSL’s exemplary role in advancing collegiate sports.
The SSL now stages three major tournaments each year: the Rising Star Cup for high school players held in May and June, the National Invitationals in August, and the Pre-Season Collegiate Championship from September to November. The National Invitationals, styled as a Grand Prix, invite top regional teams to face off against leading UAAP and NCAA programs.
The Davao event is made possible through the support of LGU-Davao City, Davao City Sports Development Office, Office of City Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, Office of Congressman Isidro Ungab, Kadayawan Festival Committee, Apo View Hotel, Balibolista De Davao, USEP, CHED Region XI, Mindanao Development Authority, Davao Sportswriters Association, 95.5 Retro Davao and 93.3 Wild FM.
Tickets are available online at SM Tickets until July 31, 2025. Onsite tickets will be sold from August 1 to 3 at the USEP Gym, Davao City starting 10AM daily. Free seating applies, with VIP tickets priced at Php 600, Courtside at Php 400, and Bleachers at Php 200.
With top-tier talent and local pride on full display, Davao is set to serve up an unforgettable showcase of athletic excellence and community spirit.
