From Abu Dhabi to a Global Stage: Emaratino Traveler Sponsors Four Young Filipino Volleyball Athletes

Great achievements often begin with small opportunities, and for four promising young volleyball players from Abu Dhabi, a new chapter is about to unfold.

Emirati content creator, singer and community advocate Fahad Al Blooshi, widely known as Emaratino Traveler, has announced his sponsorship of four selected youth athletes from Abu Dhabi Spikers (AD Spikers). The sponsorship enables them to take part in the Global Youth Championships Grassroots Talent Identification and Training Camp in Dubai.

When

30 Oct – 1 Nov 2026

Where

Dubai, UAE

Format

3-day training program

Athletes

4 from AD Spikers

The three-day development program gives young athletes the chance to train, learn and gain valuable exposure alongside experienced volleyball professionals and emerging talent from different communities. The initiative is supported by Evo Media Pro, the Abu Dhabi-based media and creative agency managing Emaratino Traveler, and reflects a commitment to youth empowerment, grassroots sport and the enduring friendship between the UAE and Filipino communities.

A Legacy of Investing in People

For Fahad, the initiative carries meaning far greater than sponsorship. Growing up in the UAE, he was shaped by the values of the nation’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose vision held that a nation’s greatest wealth lies in its people. That philosophy continues to guide how he gives back.

“Today, we are not simply sponsoring four volleyball players,” he added. “We are investing in four young dreams, four opportunities, and potentially four future leaders. Sometimes, all a young person needs is someone who believes in them and gives them a chance to take that next step.”

For Emaratino Traveler, whose digital presence has built a cultural bridge between Emirati and Filipino audiences, the sponsorship is another way to turn that relationship into positive community action.

Four Young Athletes. One Bigger Opportunity.

The four selected athletes are leaders of the AD Spikers youth program: Alijah Paul Palao Javelona and Andrew Salvador from the men’s team, and Heuy Ivanah Sarabillo and Jamila Angela Mendoza Santander from the women’s team. Between them they hold the captain and co-captain roles on both squads. They represent AD Spikers, an Abu Dhabi-based volleyball organization dedicated to nurturing talent, encouraging teamwork and creating opportunities for players to grow through sport. In Dubai they will step outside their regular training environment and meet new coaching perspectives, competitive development activities and a broader sporting community.

Mariam Al Blooshi, CEO of AD Spikers, welcomed the initiative and stressed the value of exposing young athletes to opportunities beyond their local setting.

“Having four of our young athletes participate in this international development environment is an important opportunity for their growth,” she said. “They will return not only with new sporting knowledge, but also with experiences that can inspire their teammates and the wider community.” She also thanked Emaratino Traveler and Evo Media Pro for helping connect grassroots talent with a wider platform.

Inside the Global Youth Championships Camp

The Grassroots Talent Identification and Training Camp is organized by Global Youth Championships, an initiative that brings together young basketball and volleyball talent. Held in Dubai from October 30 to November 1, 2026, it is designed as a hands-on program where young athletes learn directly from experienced coaches and some of the best-known names in Philippine volleyball.

• Training led by renowned coach Emilio “Kungfu” Reyes
• Guest stars Shaina Nitura and Josh Ybañez, both UAAP MVPs and members of the Philippine national teams
• Exhibition games and the Titos and Titas One-Day League
• Chances to meet volleyball stars and connect with athletes from around the world
• Selected players may earn the opportunity to try out for schools in Manila and compete at the Global Youth Championships 2027 in Manila
• Open to all nationalities

For the four AD Spikers captains and co-captains, that means three days of training in an environment that mirrors the highest levels of the sport, with the chance to test their skills against peers from other communities and carry new ideas back to their teammates in Abu Dhabi.

Guest Star Spotlight: Shaina Nitura

Among the camp’s headline guests is Shaina Nitura, one of the Philippines’ brightest young volleyball stars and a member of the Alas Pilipinas women’s national team. Her résumé already reads like a highlight reel:

• UAAP Season 88 Women’s MVP (2026)
• UAAP Season 87 Rookie of the Year (2025)
• Season MVP and Finals MVP, S86 Girls Division
• Back-to-back S85 and S86 Best Outside Hitter, Girls Division

For young players, her presence on the court in Dubai is a reminder that elite careers begin with the same steps these athletes are taking now: showing up, learning, and believing in the work.

Beyond Volleyball: Building Tomorrow’s Leaders

While the camp focuses on volleyball development, its impact could reach far beyond the court. Sport teaches discipline, perseverance, teamwork, respect and responsibility, qualities that shape not only better athletes but stronger individuals and future community leaders. For young Filipino athletes growing up in the UAE, opportunities like this can also deepen their sense of belonging and encourage them to pursue their ambitions with confidence.

Fahad believes meaningful change does not always demand large-scale investment.

His message to the four players is simple: make the most of this opportunity, learn from everyone around you, represent your team with pride, and never underestimate how far your dreams can take you. “Today, you are learning to become better athletes. Tomorrow, you may become the people who inspire the next generation.”

A Team Looking Ahead

The initiative has been warmly received across the AD Spikers community, including team leadership. A representative of the team captaincy shared the squad’s anticipation:

The athletes will carry the support of their teammates, coaches, families and community with them throughout the three-day program.

Emaratino Traveler: Turning Influence Into Impact

Known for celebrating Emirati and Filipino cultures through entertainment, music, travel and storytelling, Emaratino Traveler continues to find ways to use his platform to support the communities that have contributed to his journey. Through Evo Media Pro, Fahad hopes to encourage more individuals, organizations and businesses to recognize the importance of grassroots initiatives.

As the four young athletes prepare for Dubai, their journey is a reminder that behind every aspiring champion is a community willing to believe in their potential. Because today’s small opportunities can create tomorrow’s great leaders.