Jojo Lastimosa Brings Jolas Cup Home to Cagayan de Oro Fueling Grassroots Basketball and the Next Generation of Champions

Cagayan de Oro once again became the heartbeat of grassroots basketball as PBA legend and TNT Tropang 5G team manager Jojo Lastimosa returned home with a mission bigger than the game itself: to open doors for young athletes chasing their dreams.

For Lastimosa, talent has never been the problem in Philippine basketball. The real challenge has always been opportunity. And through the Jolas Cup, he continues to bridge that gap, giving young players a stage where raw skill meets real possibility.

Since its launch in 2004, the Jolas Cup has stood as one of Lastimosa’s most meaningful contributions to the sport. In 2026, that legacy grew even stronger as PLDT Home joined forces with him to bring the tournament back to Cagayan de Oro, strengthening its reach and impact on the next generation.

Held at the Xavier Ateneo Sports Centre starting April 22, Jolas Cup 2026 brought together schools and barangay teams from across the city and nearby areas. The competition featured six divisions including 12U, 14U, 16U, 18U, 22U men’s, and 22U women’s, turning the venue into a vibrant hub of youth talent, energy, and ambition. The championship games for all divisions are set to conclude on May 16.

Beyond the scoreboard, the tournament became a platform where connection mattered just as much as competition. PLDT Home Fiber played a key role in powering the event, keeping fans, families, and athletes connected through real time updates and digital engagement that extended the excitement far beyond the court.

The opening ceremony carried even more meaning with Lastimosa joined by fellow TNT Tropang 5G players Poy Erram, Rey Nambatac, and Glenn Khobuntin, all of whom share strong roots in Mindanao. Their presence underscored a powerful message of giving back to the communities that helped shape them.

Lastimosa shared his joy in returning home and investing in young athletes who remind him of where his own journey began.

“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,” he said, expressing how meaningful it is to help create opportunities where dreams begin.

To further support the young athletes, PLDT Home committed to awarding champion teams with a Fiber Plan 1699 for one year, helping ensure that their connection to learning, training, and opportunity continues even beyond the game.

According to Lastimosa, this kind of support matters just as much off the court as it does on it. “We want to ensure they will experience meaningful connections even off the court,” he shared.

The tournament atmosphere extended beyond basketball games. PLDT Home created interactive spaces and connectivity zones that allowed fans and families to engage more deeply with the event. These activities highlighted how internet access has become a vital part of modern sports development, from sharing highlights to accessing training resources and staying connected to wider opportunities.

For Lastimosa, connection is about more than technology.

“Importante kaayo nga konektado ang kabatan-onan, dili lang sa internet, kundi sa ilang mga pangandoy ug oportunidad,” he said, emphasizing that true connection links people not just online, but to their purpose and future.

TNT players also took time to mentor young athletes during the event, sharing skills, insights, and encouragement. Their presence turned inspiration into something tangible, showing aspiring players what dedication and discipline can lead to.

PLDT Home First Vice President for Acquisition Marketing Patrick S. Tang emphasized the brand’s broader commitment to community development through sports and connectivity.

“By bridging passion and opportunity, the brand plays a vital role in shaping not just better players, but stronger futures. 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,” he said.

As the Jolas Cup 2026 continues toward its final games, its impact is already clear. It is more than a tournament. It is a reminder that when passion meets opportunity and communities are supported by the right partners, young athletes are given a chance not just to play, but to rise.