PLDT Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) reaffirmed his commitment to basketball and underscored the immense value of the game to Filipinos when he led the honorees in the PBA Press Corps Awards Night on Monday.
Mr. Pangilinan was bestowed the “Danny Floro Executive of the Year” plum for a record-tying third time following the two-championship, one-runner-up run of TNT, the MVP Group’s flagship franchise, in Season 49.
“The passion which binds us all here tonight is unique,” said Mr. Pangilinan, who previously received the honors in 2003 and 2011 and became a three-time winner after the late RFM Team Manager Elmer Yanga (1993 to 1995) and San Miguel Corp. Sports Director Alfrancis Chua (2018, 2021, 2024).
“And that passion goes beyond business. It is about pride in the heart, pride in seeing Filipinos excel on the court here or internationally, like watching Gilas play in tournaments abroad, an experience that’s so different and so surprising.”
He lauded efforts of PBA stakeholders in keeping the fire burning.
“Each season reminds us how much more we can improve the game and make it more entertaining. Of course, rivalry keeps the league alive and respect keeps it whole,” he said.
“Basketball has been kind to all of us. It has built friendships, developed character, lifted spirits in difficult times, and inspired this country. And it has provided jobs and livelihood. In moments when our country was divided, basketball has brought us together in one.”
MVP emphasized the responsibility to equally passionate fans as well.
“May we all continue to serve the game in sportsmanship and with love, for in serving Philippine basketball well, we also enrich the lives of the greatest basketball fans in the world,” he said.
Tropang 5G mentor Chot Reyes shared the spotlight as he received the Baby Dalupan Coach of the Year accolade for a record-extending seventh time.
The prize, he shared, was a real bright moment coming off what he termed as the “deepest, darkest moment” of his career — the boos by the home crowd at Gilas Pilipinas’ final game in the 2023 FIBA World Cup at the Big Dome.
“I thought at that time I had enough of coaching, that I didn’t deserve everything that had happened so far. But apparently God had other plans. I’m thankful to our management, Boss MVP, Boss Ricky (Vargas) for continuing to give me the opportunity and their trust and now we’re here. Who would have thought, right?” — Olmin Leyba
