Aside from assisting the athletes themselves, the MVP Group aims to bring the 2021 Tokyo Olympics to millions of Filipino households.
And so, it is going all out to meet such a goal. In an announcement made on Friday, TV5 and Cignal will both serve as the official local broadcasters of the highly-anticipated Summer Games to be held on July 23-August 8.
Telecommunications giant SMART, on the other hand, will serve as the official digital partner for a multi-platform Olympic coverage.
Business magnate Manny V. Pangilinan graced the virtual launch, which was also attended by some of the conglomerate’s big wigs, such as newly-appointed PLDT President and Chief Executive Officer Al Panlilio.
Also present were Cignal TV’s First Vice President and Head of Marketing Guido Zaballero; and VP for Channels and Content Sienna Olaso; as well as SMART SVP and Head of Consumer Business Jane Basas.
“This is really a special day for us,” expressed Olaso, who has been in the television industry for decades now.
Events in which Filipino bets compete will receive priority, of course. Still, consumers will have liberty to enjoy other games through the 8-10 digital live feeds coming straight from Tokyo.
“Of course, number one in terms of scheduling are our athletes that are playing.
“Number two are the sports that would generate the most excitement — we’ve got basketball, volleyball, and other sports,” Zaballero said.
“Hinihintay lang natin ‘yung schedule so we can plot it,” seconded Olaso, when asked if the games of Filipino athletes will also air on national TV.
Aside from Cignal, viewers can also feel the Olympic experience live and on-demand through the SMART Giga Fest website.
“There are no other groups in the Philippines who can mount a coverage like this.
“We want to make sure we bring this content at home — whether on mobile or on cable. We want to make sure we bring this content. That’s the commitment the group has in sports,” Basas proudly shared.
This will mark the third straight Olympiad that TV5 will cover. First was in the 2012 London Games, and then 2016 meet in Rio de Janeiro.
So far, fans can look forward to watching 10 Filipino athletes, bannered by 2016 Olympic silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz and boxers Eumir Marcial, Irish Magno, Carlo Paalam, and Nesthy Petecio.
Also set to compete are pole-vaulter EJ Obiena, gymnast Caloy Yulo, young rower Carl Nievarez, and skateboard star Margielyn Didal.
“To our participating athletes, we wish you well. Bring home the golds. All the best,” said Pangilinan.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with you in Tokyo.”
