The country’s largest integrated telco PLDT, Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) are supporting PLDT Home Fibr Hitters’ journey in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) as they gear up for their first competition in April.
“We are very deeply engaged in Philippine sports. We’ve been supporting sports– including volleyball — for a long time; we even have the MVP Sports Foundation. We have always believed in the power of sports to make the lives of Filipinos better. The values that we learn in volleyball – such as teamwork, mindfulness, patience, grace under pressure, and discipline, among others – are important elements to the formula of success,” said Alfredo S. Panlilio, Smart Communications President and CEO and PLDT Chief Revenue Officer.
The PLDT Home Fibr Hitters is also fielding a stronger team this year with Rhea Dimaculangan, Isa Molde, Eli Soyud, Marist Layug, Chin Basas, Iza Viray, Mariella Gabarda, Shola Alvarez, Aiko Urdas, Joyce Sta. Rita, Alyssa Eroa, Vira Guillema, Jorelle Singh, and Kat Villegas. This group of young athletes will train under veteran coach Roger Gorayeb.
“Passion for sports is one of the key things that we embody in PLDT-Smart—not only in the products and services that we offer, but also in our company culture. We believe that sports is a tool for nation-building, and we are looking forward to this opportunity to reignite the love of Filipinos for volleyball,” said Jude Turcuato, Head of Sports at PLDT and Smart.
Professional volleyball teams are expected to compete in a bubble for the PVL 2021 Open Conference in April. PVL will also be aired over at Cignal TV, following a three-year broadcast partnership deal signed last week.