Long before packed arenas and professional leagues, the journey of PBA legend and now TNT Tropang 5G Team Manager Jojo Lastimosa began on cracked pavement in Cagayan de Oro.
“We didn’t have fancy courts or gear—just one hoop, one ball, tsinelas lang, and a lot of heart,” recalled Lastimosa. “But that was enough to dream.”
That dream comes full circle as PLDT and Smart Communications strengthen their support for the future of Filipino basketball through the return of the Jolas Cup. The tournament runs from April 22 to May 16, 2026 — with the opening ceremonies happening on April 25 -- at the Xavier Ateneo Sports Centre in Cagayan de Oro bringing together young athletes from across the city and nearby areas.
Cagayan de Oro, the capital of Misamis Oriental, remains among the key priority areas of PLDT, Smart, and Smart’s value brand TNT, with hundreds of thousands of customers enjoying the reliability of PLDT Fiber. Smart and TNT have been rolling out sites in CDO leading to better 5G network experience for customers.
By supporting the Jolas Cup comeback to CDO, the telco group reaffirms its commitment to providing its customers in the city, particularly the youth, with opportunities and unforgettable experiences.
More than a comeback, the Jolas Cup reflects PLDT and Smart’s shared belief that progress in Philippine sport begins at the community level—by creating platforms where young players are seen, guided, and inspired long before the spotlight finds them.
“Talent can be found everywhere, but opportunity is not always available,” Lastimosa said. “With the support of PLDT and Smart, we are able to provide a venue where young players—many of them still raw—can show what they have and start building something bigger for themselves.”
From local courts to national milestones
First launched in 2004 as a summer basketball league inspired by Lastimosa’s own youth experiences, the Jolas Cup has grown into a recognized proving ground for aspiring players. Over the years, it has helped shape athletes who would later rise to the highest levels of Philippine basketball.
Former participants such as Jio Jalalon, Rey Nambatac, and Poy Erram began their journeys in the tournament as unknown prospects. Today, they are key players for TNT Tropang 5G and have earned the honor of representing the country as members of the Gilas Pilipinas Men’s National Team.
“They started out not knowing how far their ambition would take them,” Lastimosa shared. “But their stories show what’s possible when young players are given a chance to compete, learn, and believe in themselves.”
Strengthening communities through sport
For PLDT and Smart, support for the Jolas Cup forms part of a broader commitment to building stronger communities by investing in programs that promote discipline, teamwork, and resilience among the youth.
“Basketball holds a special place in the Filipino story,” said Jude H. Turcuato, FVP and Head of Sports at PLDT and Smart. “By supporting initiatives like the Jolas Cup, we help create pathways where young athletes can develop not just their skills, but also the values that prepare them for life—on and off the court.”
The tournament is structured across multiple divisions from 12-under to 22-under with the women’s division limited to 22-under—welcoming school‑based and barangay teams from Cagayan de Oro and neighboring areas. Games will be played over four weeks, turning the city into a summer hub for basketball, families, and local supporters.
Beyond the competition, the Jolas Cup integrates community engagement activities, including barangay visits powered by PLDT Home and TNT, with interactive fan booths and fun activities, and meet‑and‑greet sessions with TNT Tropang 5G players in select PLDT and Smart stores in CDO. Select activities will also be streamed live on PusoP.com.
To watch the games for free in CDO, subscribers need to reload their TNT account. For those not yet using TNT, they can get free TNT SIMs for a minimum load amount of P20. Meanwhile, those will load P50 and up will also get the chance to win freebies and join a raffle for a chance to win TNT Panalo Phone or mWell watches on site.
Building a legacy
As the Jolas Cup returns after more than a decade, Lastimosa sees the tournament as a way to pass on lessons that go beyond the game. “There’s no shortcut to success,” he said. “You must show up every day, train hard, and stay disciplined. That’s what I tell the kids—learn to coach yourself, stay away from distractions, and always listen to your parents.”
Coach Lastimosa summed it up best: “We may not have had the best facilities growing up, but we had passion. And that’s what we’re passing on—heart, hustle, and the belief that greatness can come from anywhere.”
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