The Meralco Bolts are playing in Cebu this Saturday in the East Asia Super League and have committed to donate for the victims of Typhoon Tino.
The Meralco Bolts are doing their part in helping Cebu City get back on its feet after the onslaught of Typhoon Tino earlier this month, pledging a monetary donation during their visit for the East Asia Super League.
With their latest EASL game being played in the Cebu Coliseum this Saturday, the Bolts made sure to give back to their hosts in the best way possible.
“It's no secret that the Cebuanos are some of the best fans in the world, most avid basketball fans. So there's a lot of excitement to be playing over here," said Meralco Bolts general manager Paolo Trillo in a press conference on Friday.
“But what made it more exciting for us is the basketball for a cause here in Cebu. The other day in practice, some of the players got together, Rondae [Hollis-Jefferson], our captain, Chris Newsome, the rest of the players. And it was very touching because they wanted to raise a fund on their own to also help and contribute to the donations. And so I think they raised quite a good amount.”
Cebu City was among those who endured the brunt of Typhoon Tino — a storm that claimed more than 200 lives with scores still missing. It also damaged property that swelled to over 200,000 houses across seven regions.
Knowing how important these next few months will be for Cebu City to regain its footing, Trillo said that they are working with the players to get even more help for the city, with donations reaching half a million for their weekend game.
“Management at the same time also wanted to contribute. So what we're going to do is the amount that they raise, management will top it up, and we're going to vouch and commit P500,000 to the city of Cebu.” he said.
‘Bigger than basketball’
The Bolts are in Cebu on a high thanks to their breakthrough victory in the EASL when they matched up with the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots in Isabela — which, coincidentally was also hit by Super Typhoon Uwan not long after.
But more than their bid for another victory, the Bolts are eager to give the Cebuano fans a show and then some to help them recover from the devastation of Tino.
At the end of the day, Meralco knows that there are bigger ways to contribute than just playing their best on the court.
“We just want to say that we're very excited and happy to be here to really basketball. What we're doing here for the cause is really bigger than basketball, but of course we do this in partnership with the city of Cebu and the EASL. We're very proud and honored to be here, and we hope we can give everybody a great game. At the same time, it will be for a good cause,” said Trillo.
(With reports from Maureen Muarip/One Sports)
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.