University of the Philippines is gearing up for its redemption campaign in the UAAP Season 87 Basketball Tournaments, with the backing of a steadfast group of supporters who have remained committed to the Fighting Maroons through thick and thin.
Leading the charge is the team’s longtime benefactor, Robina Gokongwei-Pe, and her company, Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. (RRHI). For the 15th consecutive year, the multi-format retail giant, through its flagship brands Robinsons Supermarket, Handyman, Robinsons Appliances, Daiso, and TGP, has renewed its sponsorship of the UP Men’s Basketball Team (UPMBT).
A Memorandum of Agreement was signed on September 4 at the UP Executive House in Diliman, where Gokongwei-Pe, along with RRHI President and CEO, formalized the partnership with UP officials, including Bo Perasol, Director of the UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development (OASD), head coach Goldwin Monteverde, and nowheretogobutUP Foundation chairman, Jed Eva.
Reflecting on the journey, Robina Gokongwei-Pe shared her emotional connection to the team: “On our first year in 2010, the team delivered zero wins. In 2013, it was zero-14 again. But like the team, we never gave up. After years of hoping, dreaming, and working hard, we finally brought the crown back to Diliman. Through these ups and downs, we are still here, fighting and believing. It has been a fulfilling 15 years.”
Perasol echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the unwavering support from Gokongwei-Pe and her team. “To put things in perspective, when Ma’am Robina first started supporting the team, our players now may have just started learning to play basketball. That’s how long we have had Ma’am Robina and Robinsons as believers and supporters of our program. Words can’t express our gratitude to Ma’am Robina, Sir Stanley, Sir Wilfred, and Robinsons Retail for sticking with us through every win and loss.”
Beyond Robinsons Retail, the Fighting Maroons continue to receive crucial support from other partners.
(C) UPMBT
Januarius Holdings Inc. (JHI) and its subsidiary, STATS Technical Sportswear, are once again backing the team, ensuring the players are equipped both on and off the court.
Since UAAP Season 80, STATS has been the team’s official outfitter, and JHI continues to sponsor the team’s overseas training camps, including stints in Serbia, Korea, the US, and Japan.
“We want to keep the team battle-ready—physically, mentally, and emotionally,” JHI Chairman and CEO JJ Atencio emphasized.
(C) UPMBT
In addition, Universal Robina Corporation’s (URC) dog food brand TopBreed has stepped up once again to support the Fighting Maroons.
A partner since 2020, TopBreed, through URC’s Agro-Industrial Group, first joined forces with UP in 2018 via Robina Farms.
“Continuing our support for the UPMBT is a privilege because we believe in the same values—dedication, teamwork, and excellence,” said URC-AIG Managing Director Vincent Henry Go, emphasizing how the success of TopBreed mirrors the team’s journey to excellence.
(C) UPMBT
Meanwhile, the Palawan Group of Companies (PGC), led by UP alumni Bobby and Angelita Castro, has expanded its support beyond the school’s men’s basketball team to also include the women’s basketball team and the junior basketball team.
The group, which operates Palawan Pawnshop, Palawan Express Pera Padala, and PalawanPay, signed a new partnership agreement on September 3 to solidify their commitment.
PalawanPay will serve as the main sponsor for the men’s team, while Palawan Express Pera Padala will back the women’s squad, with the junior high school team also benefiting from PGC’s assistance.
CFO Lilian Castro-Selda highlighted the personal connection PGC has with the UP basketball program, saying, “As a family of UP alumni, we were raised with values of love for country, hard work, and integrity—values that guide our company. Supporting the UP basketball teams is our way of giving back to the university that shaped us.”
The collective efforts of these sponsors continue to inspire the Fighting Maroons, who have their sights set on achieving greatness in UAAP Season 87.
“We are very grateful to Tatay Bobby, Nanay Angelita, and the entire Castro family for their unwavering belief in our teams,” said UP Men’s Basketball Team Manager Atty. Agaton Uvero.
“Their support has made us feel like part of one big family.”
