Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 25) — One of the country’s top diversified conglomerates is going all out to support the Philippines’ hosting of the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
On Tuesday, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) officially signed on as a major sponsor for this year’s biggest basketball event, inking a historic partnership with FIBA and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas led by the MVP group of companies.
Long considered as fierce rivals and powerhouses in Philippine basketball, the two groups headed by sports patrons SMC President and CEO Ramon S. Ang and business tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan are teaming up to elevate the country’s hosting with the World Cup returning to the Philippines for the first time in 45 years.
“Boss RSA and Sir MVP mag-join it’s like for me…Michael Jordan and LeBron James to be teammates. It’s going to be like a dream team,” said SMC sports director Alfrancis Chua.
He added it was a “very good sign for Philippine basketball.”
Barangay Ginebra’s LA Tenorio echoed Chua’s sentiments.
“Ito yung matagal nang inaantay ng mga tao, yung ganitong partnership, the two biggest supporters of sports na magsanib pwersa,” he said.
[Translation: This partnership is something that people have been waiting for — for two of the biggest supporters of sports to join forces]
\”I’m hoping also that this is not only for basketball because a lot of sports now here in the Philippines are doing well now so hopefully this is the start,\” he added.
With 122 days left before the FIBA World Cup, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Al Panlilio said preparations are already in full swing.
He added, the federation is focused on providing a memorable experience and showcasing Filipino hospitality when the world’s 31 best basketball teams visit the country.
But apart from a successful hosting, Panlilio said he also hopes to see Gilas Pilipinas having a better finish in this year’s World Cup.
\”I’d like to advance to the next round sana if we can win. We won one game in Seville hopefully we can win two games here. We go to the next round and see after that,\” said Panlilio.
