In the last decade, volleyball's popularity has surged in the Philippines, but the attention has been focused mainly on female athletes.
However, in recent years, the men's division has started to capture the interest of local sports enthusiasts. This was evident when the Philippines hosted the 2023 Men's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) back in July 2023.
In the college volleyball scene, Noel Kampton of De La Salle University is emerging as a rising star, steadily gaining popularity.
Noel is excited to witness the men's division slowly gain recognition, but he acknowledges they aren't as famous as their female counterparts just yet.
In an interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) on October 19, 2023, Noel mentioned, "Well, sa men's volleyball hindi pa talaga, but parang step by step nakikilala na kami."
PEP.ph had a brief conversation with Noel during the grand re-launch of the Converse Philippines flagship store in Glorietta 2, Makati City.
He added, "Yung sa popularity ng men's volleyball ngayon, it's getting better na talaga kasi, you know, na-realize siguro ng mga viewers na maganda mag-watch ng men's volleyball tapos... mababait din yung mga players, at saka approachable sila."
NOEL KAMPTON ON POPULARITY
Noel is making a name for himself as one of the top rookies in the men's volleyball tournament of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), and his good looks add to his appeal.
Despite his growing popularity, Noel's primary aim is to elevate men's volleyball to the same level of popularity as women's volleyball.
"Ang goal ko kasi is hindi lang naman ako yung makilala but lahat ng men's volleyball para maganda lahat."
But is he open to joining showbiz?
"No, not yet open kasi pag pumasok ako sa showbiz, paano yung time ko sa volleyball? Sobrang hirap na yung time na yun talaga."
Noel admits that his growing fame also comes some criticism, especially from those who don't understand the "swag" culture he and other volleyball players display on the court.
However, Noel wants to clarify that these displays are just for fun, and in reality, volleyball players are friends off the court.
"Yung pagsa-swag namin against sa mga ibang teams, doon lang yun sa volleyball.
"Pero outside the court, grabe, sobrang close kami lahat...
"Minsan nagkakasama pa kami maglaro sa mga province, magkakampi rin kami."
The student-athlete continued, "Sa mga fans na nag-aaway about doon sa swag, huwag na kayong mag-aaway kasi it's part of the game lang talaga yung pagsa-swag.
"In the end, lahat kami nagbebeso pa nga kami, nag-hug pa kami kasi sportsmanship talaga.
"Pero yung swag talaga, it's really normal. So huwag na kayong mag-aaway, yun lang."
Despite the bashers, Noel is appreciative of the opportunities that come with the growing popularity he is experiencing.
During the event, he was honored as one of Converse Philippines' #CreateNext Ambassadors, alongside Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee, content creator Shainna Gayle, and dancer Ken San Jose.
When questioned about how the brand aligns with his lifestyle, he replied, "I guess yung lifestyle ko, sa pagpasok ko sa class, kasi you know La Salle has no dress code...
"So every time na I wear Converse talaga it's, parang, feeling ko talaga it's ano talaga sa akin, fit talaga sa akin."
NOEL KAMPTON: LIFE OF A STUDENT-ATHLETE
Besides playing volleyball, Noel's ultimate goal is to complete his college degree, which can be significantly more challenging for student-athletes like him.
But for Noel, the essential factor in excelling in both sports and studies is efficient time management.
He cited his experience an example, "Well, to be honest, ngayon galing pa ako sa... kaninang morning, nasa class ako. [Then] training. Tapos after I go [to] training, derecho agad ako dito.
"Well ang pinaka-importante talaga is yung time management lang talaga. If you really love your job, sobrang dali lang yun."
Aside from time management, what's the most difficult aspect of being a student-athlete?
He answered, "Well yung sacrifices like yung time sa family ko. Sobrang hirap kasi example, pag Sunday may mga... may mga family day kami. Pag may games ako, ako wala. Mahirap but ganoon talaga e, ganoon yung pinili kong path e."
READ MORE: