Jojo Lastimosa Returns to CDO to Inspire the Next Generation of Young Athletes

     The Philippines has never lacked basketball talent. Across different cities and communities, there are countless young athletes dreaming of making it big someday. But as PBA legend and TNT Tropang 5G team manager Jojo Lastimosa continues to believe, talent alone is not always enough. Sometimes, what young players need most is opportunity, support, and people who believe in their potential.

     Since launching the Jolas Cup back in 2004, Lastimosa has remained committed to supporting grassroots basketball and creating opportunities for the youth through sports. This year, that mission became even more meaningful as PLDT Home joined in supporting Jolas Cup 2026 in Cagayan de Oro — helping bring not only competition, but also connection, visibility, and encouragement for the next generation of athletes.

Jojo Lastimosa Returns to CDO to Inspire the Next Generation of Young Athletes
For love of the game, PLDT Home and TNT Tropang 5G bring fans closer to the action. Basketball legend Jojo Lastimosa and stars Poy Erram, Rey Nambatac, and Glenn Khobuntin unite on stage with the lucky winners of their hand-signed TNT jerseys.

     The tournament officially opened last April 22 at the Xavier Ateneo Sports Centre, gathering talented teams from schools and barangays across Cagayan de Oro and nearby areas. Young athletes competed across six divisions: 12U, 14U, 16U, 18U, 22U men’s, and 22U women’s, with championship games concluding on May 16.

Beyond the excitement on the court, what made the event feel even more inspiring was seeing how the community came together to support these young dreamers.

     PLDT Home Fiber was among the partners powering the opening ceremonies, helping players, families, and attendees stay connected throughout the event through real-time updates, digital engagement, and interactive experiences that extended the tournament beyond the venue itself.

     Joining Lastimosa during the opening ceremonies were fellow TNT Tropang 5G players Poy Erram, Rey Nambatac, and Glenn Khobuntin all proudly representing their Mindanao roots while inspiring younger athletes who hope to follow similar dreams someday.

Jojo Lastimosa Returns to CDO to Inspire the Next Generation of Young Athletes
TNT Tropang 5G players join the Jolas Cup opening in Cagayan de Oro, showing support for young athletes and championing opportunities for the next generation of hoopers.

Malipayon gyud ko nga nakabalik ko diri sa Cagayan de Oro aron maghatag og oportunidad sa mga batan-on. Mao ni ang sinugdanan sa daghan kaayo’ng damgo,” Lastimosa shared, expressing how meaningful it was for him to return home and support aspiring players in the city.

     To further support the winning teams beyond the tournament, PLDT Home Fiber will also award champion teams with a Fiber Plan 1699 subscription for one year helping them stay connected both on and off the court.

We want to ensure they will experience meaningful connections even off the court,” Lastimosa added.

     Aside from the games themselves, PLDT Home also brought fun community experiences through interactive booths, connectivity zones, and digital activities that allowed fans and families to engage with the event in real time.

Jojo Lastimosa Returns to CDO to Inspire the Next Generation of Young Athletes
Local fans share a lighthearted moment with PBA legend Jojo Lastimosa during the PLDT Home Fiber Fastbreak event.

     And honestly, moments like this show how connectivity today goes beyond simply being online. For young athletes, reliable internet access can help them discover training resources, share their highlights, stay inspired, and open doors to even bigger opportunities.

For Lastimosa, that connection remains deeply important. Importante kaayo nga konektado ang kabatan-onan dili lang sa internet, kundi sa ilang mga pangandoy ug oportunidad,” he shared.

     Players also echoed how meaningful it felt to come home and inspire younger athletes now growing up with stronger support systems and opportunities available to them.

     By supporting initiatives like Jolas Cup 2026, PLDT Home continues to go beyond providing internet connectivity helping communities grow, supporting young dreamers, and creating stronger connections that begin at home.

Jojo Lastimosa Returns to CDO to Inspire the Next Generation of Young Athletes
TNT Tropang 5G stars Rey Nambatac, Poy Erram, and Glenn Khobuntin share hands-on tips and mentorship with Cagayan de Oro and promising young players

As shared by PLDT Home First Vice President for Acquisition Marketing Patrick S. Tang: By bridging passion and opportunity, the brand plays a vital role in shaping not just better players, but stronger futures.”

     From sports and online learning to entertainment and everyday family moments, reliable internet continues to play an important role in helping Filipino families stay connected to what matters most.

     PLDT Home currently offers Fiber plans starting at Plan 999 and up. Families may also apply for Fiber Unli All 1399 until May 31, 2026 to enjoy free installation, free speedboost up to 200 Mbps, unlimited entertainment on Cignal, and a chance to win free Fiber Broadband for Life. Exclusive discounts on Samsung TVs and other devices are also available for qualified applications until June 30, 2026.