CinemaBravo

For Filipino volleyball fans, the name Leila Barros instantly sparks nostalgia.

At the height of the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Brazilian star brought not just her skill and charisma but also a new level of excitement to the sport.

When Metro Manila hosted the final round of the FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix in 2000 and later became a venue for matches in the 2004 edition, Barros became a household name. Fans flocked to see her play, and her charm on and off the court cemented her as one of the most beloved foreign athletes in Philippine sports history.

Now a senator in Brazil since she assumed office in 2019, Barros has returned to the Philippines after more than two decades, and she made sure to remind Filipinos why she holds the country so close to her heart.

Pinay at heart

Speaking at a media conference held on September 27, 2025, in MOA Arena in Pasay City—where CinemaBravo was invited—Barros expressed her gratitude and deep affection for the Philippines. Through an interpreter, she shared:

“Look, it’s a shame to spend five days traveling and only two days enjoying all of the Philippines. I hope it doesn’t take that long, another 25 years, to come back.”

She also thanked the Philippine Federation for being instrumental in the sport’s triumph as both a discipline and a passion in the country.

“Thank you very much to the Philippine Federation. Congratulations for the work they have been doing in Philippine volleyball and Asian volleyball.

“Especially to the Philippine people,“ she warmly acknowledged. “I want to say in a very affectionate way that after Brazil, the Philippines is the place where I feel happiest in the world. In my heart, thank you!”

As special guest at the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship

Barros’ visit coincided with the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship, staged in the Philippines from September 12 to 28. This was the first edition under the new two-year cycle with an expanded format of 32 teams.

As a special guest, she graced the semifinals and finals at the Mall of Asia Arena, where fans warmly welcomed her presence.

More than just a reunion with Filipino fans, Barros also reflected on her journey since her last visit in 2004. From being an athlete to becoming a legislator, her personal growth paralleled the progress of volleyball both in Brazil and in the Philippines. She commended the Philippine federation’s efforts and the rising prominence of the sport in Asia.

The love for Barros was on full display during the mediacon. After her fun-filled and memory-inducing mediacon, fans eagerly lined up to take photos with her and have their old memorabilia signed. A surprise birthday greeting was also prepared, adding a personal touch to her visit.

From the court to the senate

Before wrapping up her trip, Barros assured supporters that she doesn’t want it to take another 20 years before she visits again. With her declaration that the Philippines is her “happiest place after Brazil,” fans can only hope to see her more often.

Today, Sen. Leila Barros continues to inspire, not only as a Brazilian sports legend but also as a senator championing accountability and transparency in Brazil. Her journey proves that athletes can carry the discipline of the court into public service, standing firm against challenges that threaten fairness and integrity.

If Brazil can celebrate such a sports icon turned reformer, perhaps the Philippines, too, can hope for leaders who embody the same honesty and conviction. As corruption still looms large, we can only hope for the best.