MVP among Filipino sports fans

If Filipino sports fans were asked to name at least five persons who have contributed the most to the advancement and support of Philippine sports, the name of TV5 chairman Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) would most likely figure at the top of the list.

Known for being an astute business magnate and a big-hearted philanthropist, MVP is a true-blooded sports enthusiast who has generously supported athletic teams and individual athletes in their championship journeys. As the president of Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas (SBP), the national sports association for basketball and the focal point for the country’s participation in the much-anticipated FIBA tournament, MVP made sure that Gilas Pilipinas, the national team that will represent the Philippines in the FIBA World Cup in Spain in August, gets his full and unconditional support. 

Just recently, MVP celebrated his birthday and the occasion brought in a shower of well wishes and expressions of admiration and gratitude from people who recognize his energy and accomplishments in raising the bar for Philippine sports. Recall that in 2011, MVP brought to the Philippines a virtual galaxy of NBA stars as his tribute to Pinoy basketball fans. This year, MVP has invited another outstanding group of US all-star players in a match-up with the Gilas Pilipinas, a portent of its forthcoming hard-court battles in Spain next month. Dubbed as the PLDT Last Home Stand, it will be the biggest basketball event of the year to be held today and tomorrow, July 23 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. Our boys would be taking on the FIBR All-Star team of US basketball superstars, with Sports5, the sports production arm of TV5, bringing the much-awaited sports action to every Filipino home with the telecast of the games on primetime starting at 8 p.m. on both days.

The PLDT Last Home Stand is a charity event with proceeds of the two-day exhibition matches going to the Philippine Disaster Recovery Foundation and Caritas Manila. Gilas will be bannered by Jimmy Alapag, LA Tenorio, Larry Fonacier, Gary David, Jeff Chan, Gabe Norwood and Jason Castro. The frontline will be manned by naturalized player Marcus Douthit, Japeth Aguilar, Junemar Fajardo, Ranidel de Ocampo and Marc Pingris. Providing additional firepower for the team are Kevin Alas, Garvo Lanete, Beau Belga, Jay Washington and Paul Lee.

The Philippine national squad is expected to be thoroughly tested by the FIBR All-Stars, comprised by a stellar cast of basketball superstars led by Blake Griffin, Terrence Ross, Damian Lillard, Demar de Rozan, Kyle Lowry and Kawhi Leonard. They will be joined by Tyson Chandler, Paul George, Nick Johnson, Ed Davis and James Harden.

Indeed, MVP celebrates his birthday like no other, and the Filipino sports fans are the ones who get the biggest treat from the TV5 chairman’s generosity. Even our own athletes are brimming with gratitude for MVP’s unwavering support in advancing Philippine sports. We’ve asked a few of our cagers to share their birthday messages for MVP and here’s what they have to say:

Jimmy Alapag, Gilas Pilipinas captain: My birthday wish for Boss MVP is for him to have another year full of good health and continued blessings. May he continue to inspire millions of Filipinos through his work in business and sports to continue to raise the bar in both fields.

Kelly Williams, Talk ’N Text Tropang Texters: Happy birthday, MVP! Many more successful years ahead!

Danny Seigle, Talk ’N Text Tropang Texters: Wishing you a very happy birthday, Boss MVP! You are a blessing to the world of sports and business. Many thanks for all the inspiration, guidance and kindness! Enjoy your special day!

Ryan Reyes, Talk ’N Text Tropang Texters: Happy birthday, Boss MVP. Thank you always for your never-ending support of the TNT organization. Wishing you the best always and good health. Thank you and forever grateful. God bless!

Harvey Carey, Talk ’N Text Tropang Texters: Happy birthday, Boss MVP. Thank you for being an inspiration for so many of us.

Ranidel de Ocampo, Gilas Pilipinas forward: My hope is that he will continue to improve the lives of many people through sports. I wish him long life and more accomplishments ahead for the future of sports in the country and our athletes.

Larry Fonacier, Gilas Pilipinas guard: Happy birthday, boss. We give praise and thanks that many of our compatriots’ dreams have been realized through your efforts.

Noy Baclao, Talk ’N Text Tropang Texters: May the Lord continue to bless you for we believe that you have been a blessing yourself to many people who love you and who worked with you. Enjoy your birthday, sir! God Bless!

Jai Reyes, Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters: Boss MVP, thank you very much for uplifting Philippine sports on a higher level but more importantly for making the country a much better place to live in. Happy birthday, boss!

And from the other side of the world, birthday greetings for MVP were also expressed by US-based basketball idols via Twitter:

Terrence Ross (@T_DotFlight31): MVP, I think what you do in honor of your birthday for the Filipinos is amazing. Giving back is why we do what we do. See you soon! @iamMVP

DeMar DeRozan (@DeMar_DeRozan):@iamMVP I love Filipino basketball fans but I hear you are the biggest one of all, MVP. Looking forward to seeing you! HBD!

Paul George (@Paul_George24):@iamMVP, we are going to give the Gilas National Team a real workout in honor of your birthday next week! Watch out!