PBA legend Jojo Lastimosa’s CDO homecoming powers grassroots ball forward | #BenchPaylaBlog

The TNT Tropang 5G team manager, plus other hoop stars, bring the Jolas Cup Back to Cagayan de Oro.

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 Philippines continues to produce world-class basketball talent – but as PBA legend and current TNT Tropang 5G team manager Jojo Lastimosa has long believed, talent alone isn’t enough without opportunity. For young athletes, sports can open doors – but only when the right support systems are in place. This is where connectivity, community, and committed partners like PLDT Home play a crucial role.

Since launching the Jolas Cup in 2004, Lastimosa has championed grassroots basketball as a way to empower the youth. In 2026, that mission was strengthened by PLDT Home’s support, as the tournament returned to Cagayan de Oro – bringing not just competition but also access, visibility, and opportunity for the next generation.

Kicked off last April 22 at the Xavier Ateneo Sports Centre, Jolas Cup 2026 gathered top teams from schools and barangays across the city, transforming the venue into a dynamic space where talent met opportunity. The tournament aimed to bring together young athletes from Cagayan de Oro and nearby areas, competing in six divisions: 12U, 14U, 16U, 18U, 22U men’s, and 22U women’s. It concludes on May 16 with the championship games of all six divisions.

PLDT Home Fiber was among the brands powering the tournament opening ceremonies, as players and attendees stayed connected throughout the event – from real-time updates to digital engagement that extended the reach of the tournament beyond the court.

The opening ceremonies were led by Lastimosa, alongside fellow TNT Tropang 5G players who share roots in Mindanao, including Poy Erram, Rey Nambatac, and Glenn Khobuntin. Their presence reinforced the importance of giving back, made even more impactful through platforms like the Jolas Cup, supported by partners who share the same vision.

“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 (I’m truly happy to be back in Cagayan de Oro to give young players opportunities. This is where many dreams begin),” said Lastimosa.

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.

To help kickstart the young athletes with their dreams, PLDT Home Fiber shall award all champion teams with a Fiber Plan 1699 for one year.

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

Local fans share a lighthearted moment with PBA legend Jojo Lastimosa during the PLDT Home Fiber Fastbreak event.

Beyond the games, PLDT Home brought the tournament experience closer to the community through branded activations, including interactive booths and connectivity zones that allowed fans and families to engage with the event in real time. These initiatives highlighted how reliable internet access plays an increasingly important role in sports development – whether it’s accessing training content, sharing game highlights, or staying connected to wider opportunities.

For Lastimosa, that connection is essential to building the future of Philippine basketball.

“Importante kaayo nga konektado ang kabatan-onan—dili lang sa internet, kundi sa ilang mga pangandoy ug oportunidad (It’s important for the youth to stay connected—not just to the internet, but to their dreams and opportunities),” he said.

Players echoed this sentiment, emphasizing how meaningful it is to return home and inspire the next generation – now with stronger platforms and support systems behind them.

TNT Tropang 5G stars Rey Nambatac, Poy Erram, and Glenn Khobuntin share hands-on tips and mentorship with Cagayan de Oro's promising young players

By supporting initiatives like the Jolas Cup, PLDT Home continues to go beyond providing connectivity – actively supporting communities, enabling dreams, and helping young dreamers stay connected to what matters most, starting from the home.

“By bridging passion and opportunity, the brand plays a vital role in shaping not just better players, but stronger futures,” said PLDT Home First Vice President for Acquisition Marketing Patrick S. Tang. “No matter where you are in the Philippines and whatever passion you pursue, we’re here for you. Count on our reliable connectivity to give you stronger, more meaningful connections as you start your dreams right at home.”

From sports to school work and more, fire up your family’s passion at home with fast and reliable internet connectivity by PLDT Home Fiber. Visit pldthome.com to know more about these amazing Fiber deals available for Plan 999 and up.

Apply for Fiber Unli All 1399 from May 1 to May 31, 2026, and enjoy free installation (save P3,600), free speed boost up to 200 Mbps, unli entertainment on Cignal, and a chance to win free Fiber Broadband for Life! Apply until June 30, 2026, to avail up to P41,000 off on Samsung TVs and other devices as an exclusive offer.

Thank you for reading. Catch you in the next one!