By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
AS a longtime supporter of Philippine sports, nutritional energy drink maker Milo has been involved in many an activity and program geared towards building champions and values-driven individuals.
Such thrust of the group continues as it came on board to be one of the supporters of the 30th Southeast Asian Games which the country is hosting later this year.
Officially announced on Oct. 10 in ceremonies held at the Conrad Hotel Manila, Milo Philippines will see it collaborate with the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) and other stakeholders as they push for a common goal of rallying the nation to support the athletes representing the country under one “Laban Pilipinas” battle cry.
Present during the press conference for the partnership unveiling were Veronica Cruz, vice-president, Nestle Philippines-Milo; Lester P. Castillo, assistant vice-president, Nestle Philippines-Milo; House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, Chairman, PHISGOC; Congressman Abraham Tolentino, president, Philippine Olympic Committee; and Ramon Fernandez, commissioner, Philippine Sports Commission (in behalf of PSC Chairman and SEA Games Chef de Mission William “Butch” Ramirez).
They were joined by national athletes and Milo Sports Program graduates and ambassadors Alyssa Valdez (Milo champion-volleyball), Pauline Lopez (Milo-Philippine Taekwondo Association), and Kiefer Ravena (Milo BEST Center-Basketball).
Seeing a commonality with the local organizing committee’s goals with theirs of making the Games a celebration of unity in diversity and heralding the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship among Filipinos and neighboring countries in the region, Milo officials said it was not hard convincing them to be involved in such a worthwhile endeavor.
“As a longtime supporter of Philippine sports, it is with great honor and privilege that Milo comes in as a gold partner for the historic 30th SEA Games,” said Ms. Cruz at the partnership launch.
“As our athletes and local sports communities continue to work hard in the preparation for the SEA Games, we want to help energize the country to cheer them on and let them know that we are all with them in defending our home court, win or lose,” she added.
It is an expression of support that organizers welcome wholeheartedly as they see it helping ensure a solid campaign for the Filipino athletes as well as in making the Games hosting a success.
“In this significant time for Philippine sports, we must push all our endeavors to its advancement. Milo, who we have tirelessly worked with to promote sports development and values formation at the grassroots level nationwide, has long made valuable contributions to the Filipino sporting community. We are happy to declare our partnership with Milo to strengthen our international foothold in sports and to “Win As One” as we energize a nation of champions. Laban Pilipinas!” Mr. Ramirez said in a statement.
The PSC chairman and the country’s SEA Games chef de mission went on to say that Team Pilipinas is hard at work as the biennial sporting meet approaches.
“Heart and dedication will be front and center from our Team Pilipinas delegation,” said Ramirez. Adding, “Values such as discipline, perseverance, and sportsmanship speak volumes to an athlete’s character, and I believe these attributions are as vital as to winning gold medals.
The 30th SEA Games happens from Nov. 30 to Dec. 11 in different parts of the country.
It has a theme of “We Win As One” and is touted to be the biggest to be staged in the Philippines, involving 11,000 athletes and officials from the 11 member nations, 9,000 volunteers, 530 events and 56 sports.
The last time the country hosted the SEA Games was in 2005.
