In celebration of MVP Cup’s 20th anniversary, the Philippines’ largest integrated telco network PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its units PLDT Enterprise, PLDT Home, and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) recently staged the company’s biggest ever golf tournament.
MVP Cup 2024: One Invitational reinforced the outstanding customer experience and network supremacy that the Group is known for, while delivering an unparalleled g olfing experience that helps develop and promote golf in the Philippines.
The event also anticipates impacting community development, specifically by supporting grassroots programs of the National Golf Association of the Philippines in developing local athletes.
Exclusive to top-tier customers and partners of PLDT Enterprise, Smart Infinity, and PLDT Home, 400 golfers joined the tournament held at the prestigious Manila Golf and Country Club on February 12 and 13. Participants were ushered into a first-class golfing experience, enjoying a seamless journey from bag drop, registration, the washed and tailor-fit J.Lindeberg golf gear awaiting in their lockers ready for their wear, to the tournament itself and the widely-acclaimed Fellowship and Awards Night held at the magnificent MVP Cup Tent built inside the Manila Golf premises where premium raffle items were given away.
European restaurant group Modine, led by Michelin-starred British chef Jason Atherton, the creator of The Pig & Palm in Cebu, ensured sumptuous and sufficient buffet-style meals for all golfers and guests from breakfast on day 1 all the way to the elegant dinner served on Fellowship Night.
For the first time, golfers were treated to the “shot tracer” technology. Often used in golf broadcasts, this technology visually tracks the path of a golf ball from the moment it is struck until it lands, creating a digital line and allowing players to see the trajectory and direction of their shot.
Powered by Smart Sports, the shot tracer injected innovation and leveled up the competition. The personalized videos were also sent to participants as a souvenir of the game.
Present in the tournament were celebrities and personalities including Derek Ramsay, Aga Muhlach, John Estrada, Coach Jojo Lastimosa, Coach Chot Reyes, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Richard Bachmann, and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Executive Director Erika Dy; public servants like Leyte 4th District Representative Richard Gomez, San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, and former Senator Tito Sotto; along with PLDT and Smart executives.
“I’ve always seen sports as a metaphor for life, and the MVP Cup is no different. These past two days, we’ve seen our golf-loving partners and customers engage in friendly, fair, and intense competition, which—from experience—helps deepen bonds and develop new friendships based on shared values. We’re proud of the team, and all the participants, and we’re excited for the next one,” said Manuel V. Pangilinan, PLDT Group Chairman, and CEO.
Developing Filipinos’ love for golf
Aside from promoting camaraderie and love for the sport among their customers, MVP Cup 2024: One Invitational also became a platform for good as it enabled participants to be part of the telco’s advocacy to support the development of golf in the country.
During the Fellowship Night, organizers turned over the proceeds from players’ mulligans to the MVP Sports Foundation (MVPSF), to help support the National Golf Association of the Philippines and training of Filipino golf athletes. The amount collected from players was matched by PLDT Enterprise.
“This contribution aims to enhance the association’s grassroots programs and further develop the growing love of Filipinos for golf,” said Jude Turcuato, PLDT Group Head of Sports and Executive Director at MVPSF.
Among the athletes backed by MVPSF is 23-year-old Filipina golfer Samantha Bruce, with notable distinctions — Seattle University Athlete of the Year, three-time All-Conference, four-time Women’s Golf Coaches Association (WGCA) Academic All American, and the first Filipina nominated for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award – under her name. She is also the second golfer from the Philippines to play on the Ladies European Tour (LET) after qualifying last December.
A staunch advocate of sports development in the country, PLDT and Smart, together with the MVPSF, have launched many initiatives to support athletes – from the grassroots to collegiate, amateur, and professional levels, producing Olympians, medalists, and overall world-class athletes to help them in their journey as they represent the country in global tournaments.