The country’s largest fully integrated telco PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) are lauding the stellar performance of the Philippine national men’s basketball team Gilas Pilipinas at the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers 2021.
The Smart-backed Gilas Pilipinas secured a perfect 6-0 run in the most recent tournament, even beating South Korea twice during the bubble in Clark.“We are extremely proud of our Gilas Pilipinas athletes, coaching team, and staff. Their hard work, determination, and talent have truly paid off resulting in an undefeated run during the qualifiers. We are seeing a great future for Philippine basketball, and are here to support our national team as they gear up for the FIBA Asia Cup,” said Alfredo S. Panlilio, President and CEO of PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications, and President of Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.
“This journey also goes beyond FIBA Asia Cup. Our success in this tournament is part of our long-term vision as we prepare to host the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2023,” he added.
Gilas point guard SJ Belangel, who showed great heart during the nail-biting first game versus South Korea, shared a message to Gilas fans. “Please keep on supporting Gilas Pilipinas, because we will give it our all, for our country’s glory. Laban Pilipinas, para sa bayan!”
“I just want to thank all the fans out there for your love and support of our team. We really just want to make you proud, out there on the court. Para sa bayan, puso!” said Gilas guard Dwight Ramos
Basketball fans were able to tune in live during the games of Gilas Pilipinas via television, social media, and gigafest.smart. “We are happy to provide the best connectivity, digital platforms, and affordable data packs to ensure that our customers can conveniently access the games and rally behind our national team online. We believe in the importance of providing fast and reliable connectivity in bringing global sports tournaments, including basketball, closer to Filipinos,” said Jane J. Basas, SVP and Head of Consumer Wireless Business at Smart.
This has been made possible because of PLDT and Smart’s fastest data network, which has been time and again recognized by global third-party analytics firms like Ookla, Opensignal, and umlaut.
