MVP Birthday Run: An Extraordinary Day

I was supposed to look sporty but I wasn't prepared to run because I got a lot of work during the event so I decided to put on a semi-sporty outfit, minus the animal print bag. haha!:))

Last July 14, Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) celebrated his 65th birthday. He usually does his birthday celebration in big hotels every year; but this time, he chose to simplify it so he held his party in Meralco Multi-Purpose Hall. He did this because he was more excited about Smart's big birthday treat for him -- the MVP Birthday Run.

The companies within the MVP group went all out to make the best birthday celebration of MVP. The run was held last July 16 in SM Mall of Asia Open Grounds. The run was composed of four major categories: 1. the "serious run" - 10k, 2. the "mardi gras" run, 3. the "run w/ pets" - 3k, and 4. the "privilege walk w/ MVP" - 1.65k Only the MVP Group employees, their families, and MVP's family and friends were invited in this extraordinary event.

 the birthday celebrant = THE BIG BOSS

Almost all of MVP's basketball teams were also there: Talk N Text, Smart Gilas, Meralco Bolts, San Beda. Though, I wasn't able to see the Ateneo players. Also, a couple of celebrities/talents from TV5 were also there. All of them joined in the 1.65-km Walk with MVP. Also, the Maynilad float which has a Buganda band playing Brazilian percussion with Maynilad's volleyball and basketball teams, has made the walk a lively one! We even had party poppers popped as soon as MVP reached the finish line.

 the boss saying his "thank you" message

There were also a couple of lucky runners who won raffle prizes such as iPad, Blackberry, and the grand prize -- Toyota Vios! It has been indeed a happy birthday celebration of Boss MVP!:)

 i was holding the party poppers haha

 so fun hanging out with my co-workers

and I wasn't a part of this photo 'coz I didn't hear somebody called me for the photo op!

gosh...the sun and us!

1st Time to Watch the Azkals LIVE!

Last July 3, I was able to witness the 2nd leg of the Azkals vs Sri Lanka football game at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila. There were lots of football fans who came despite the bad weather.

I wasn't able to start the game 'coz I came only 30 minutes after the game started. But that was actually a blessing in disguise because as the game started, heavy rain started to pour and all the fans at the bleachers got soaked, while those in the grandstand with tickets worth Php 2000-Php3000 were saved. We only got free tickets from our friends and ex-coworkers in Smart Sports, and we're so thankful 'coz we saved 300 bucks! haha!

It was the first international football game I've seen live and it was such an awesome experience! When I came, the score was 1-0 in favor of Azkals. It was funny that people were asking me why I was dry and they found me uncool for not getting wet!:))

Anyway, I've seen a lot of friends and familiar faces there. We all enjoyed watching the game. Most especially because Sri Lanka couldn't score. I loved the crazy crowd. We've been doing a crowd "wave" from point A and back, with all the crowd in the stadium. It's so fun! Plus there's a huge flag which crawled around the stadium. So cool!

After  2 hours, the game ended 4-0 for the Azkals! The crowd was cheering and jumping for joy! The team went around the stadium to thank the fans. After the game, there were cameras and interviews at the exit gates asking the fans how their experience was. My friend said it was "fun fun fun!" haha!

It was indeed an awesome experience. Btw, thumbs up for Neil Etheridge for playing good defense!:)

Work-Sports-Travel-Fun-Stress in ONE!

I must admit, I miss my previous job. Yes, it may be really stressful most of the time, but it's actually fun and interesting. However, I had to move to a different direction to find what exactly was I looking for.

My 5-month stay there was actually a rollercoaster ride of emotions. But still, I enjoyed doing my job. It actually contributed a lot to who I am now. I became tougher, I've had a lot of achievements, and I gained new friends. It also opened a lot of doors for me and I am very thankful for such an experience. Working for the MVP Group was such a great experience. Smart Sports got me really exposed to the real world. Working for the country's number one telecommunications company means stress and pressure, but later on, it will mean glory and prestige.

Anyway, handling the Smart Sports brand got me very inclined to Sports more especially Running and Basketball. It also improved my social skills since we're often exposed to the media, the big bosses, the elite, the rich and the famous. Every single day felt like a big show.

Let me share you the events I have attended and/or organized while I was working there...

JULY 2010

• July 5 (UP Bahay ng Alumni) - Attended as a guest at the UP Men's Basketball Team Send-off for the UAAP Games.

the team w/ Vice Pres. Binay and UP Pres. Roman

 UP Alpha Sigma Fraternity donated cash to the team

• July 6 (Meralco Lighthouse) - I took part in the coordination of the UP Alumni Association & Meralco Partnership Agreement (contract signing).

 Mr. Manny V. Pangilinan via Meralco donates to the UP Men's Basketball Team

 The Team w/ MVP, UP Pres. Roman and Meralco Executives

• July 14-18 (PICC) - I served as a part of the secretariat to the 1st MVP Boxing Cup.

 Opening Ceremonies

 

 while a game is going on

• July 31 (SM Mall of Asia Grounds) - I was in-charge of our sponsorship to the PBA Run for a Cause.

 

 the race is about to start

 such a fan pic w/ PBA Star Alvin Patrimonio :p

• July 31 (Ninoy Aquino Stadium) - I went to observe how the National Taekwondo Championship was done.

 a view from the top

AUGUST 2010

•  Aug. 4 (Araneta Coliseum) - Watched TNT vs Alaska and supported our team TNT. It was the first time I've ever watched a PBA game live! The best part was, since it's part of my job, I was given an Overtime Pay. haha!:))

 before the game starts

• Aug. 6 (SM Mall of Asia) -  I took charge in overseeing the on-ground exposure of our brand during the  World Arnis Open event.

 Arnis Demo

• Aug. 13 (Araneta Coliseum) - We watched the PBA Championships wherein Alaska Aces won over San Miguel Beermen. Our team was there to award the Best PBA Photographer and the next day, we're on the Sports Section of the newspapers.:)

 detaching the net from the ring

SMB: the 2nd placers

 

 wow so I am a photogenic LOL!:))

• Aug. 22 (Camarines Sur Watersports Complex) - I was invited to attend the Ironman70.3 Philippines to observe how I could implement my upcoming event which was almost similar to this.

 waiting for the 1st placer at the finish line

• Aug. 24 - We watched Smart Gilas Pilipinas during their training.

 Chris Tiu on the leftmost part

• Aug. 26 (Meralco Theater) - I took part in the coordination of the Meralco Youth and Sports Advocacy Program and the Meralco Bolts Team Launch. The best part was, getting a late dinner treat from Chris Tiu.:)

 

 Meralco Bolts' Head Coach Ryan Gregorio on the left

 With the boys of Smart Gilas (L-R): Japeth Aguilar, Dylan Ababou, and JV Casio

•  Aug. 29 (Market Market) - I attended the PBA Rookie Draft.

 the announcement

SEPTEMBER 2010

• Sept 26 (Camarines Sur Watersports Complex) - I was the over-all project officer for our sponsorship to the First Camsur International Marathon. I stayed at Camsur for 4 days to make sure that everything's well coordinated

Smart's Running Team joined the race

•  Aug. 29 (Gateway Mall) - I attended the PBA Press Corps Awards wherein our team got a recognition for continuously supporting the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

Patricia Hizon hosting the event

 OCTOBER 2010 

• Oct. 3 (Araneta Coliseum) - I attended the PBA 36th Season's Opening Ceremonies and supported team Talk N Text in their first game for the season.

 huge standees of players

 focus!

•  Oct. 15 (Cuneta Astrodome) - I watched another game of TNT.

 timeout!

 

• Oct. 20 (Meralco Mini Theater) - We organized the 1st General Assembly for the upcoming MVP Olympics. HR representatives from each MVP group company were present in this event.

 flashing "2" 'coz it's already the 2nd year of the MVP Olympics

 Our team (w/ our boss) even had an after-party at the Chivas Regal event at Republiq

• Oct. 26 (UP Bahay ng Alumni) - I represented my boss in the 2nd International Conference in Science and Mathematics Education's "Assessing Learning: Innovations and Practice" Seminar.

 I was even called onstage to draw winners of our giveaways haha

• Oct. 29 (Smart Tower) - Kids of the company's employees went up and down the building for some Trick or Treat. We got them candies!:)

 i miss being a kid...

 

 

NOVEMBER 2010

 

• Nov. 8 (Meralco Lighthouse) - I was assigned to be the over-all project coordinator of the Send-off Dinner for the PLDT-SMART supported Filipino athletes to the 16th Asian Games.

 the athletes flashing "#1" (trivia: i was somewhere at the back covered by the tall guys LOL)

 Chairman MVP awarding an incentive for the Philippine Taekwondo Poomsae Champions

 

Team Smart Sports

 

•  Nov. 19 (Dads Resto Ortigas) - We attended the birthday party of Mr. Jayjay Vargas.

 w/ Meralco Bolts' Coach Ryan Gregorio and Team Manager Virgil Villavicencio

 w/ Mac Cardona and someone I forgot haha sorry

 the girls w/ Willie Miller

• Nov.29 (PLDT-Ayala to PLDT-Dansalan) - I coordinated the participation of our athletes to the "Lakaran" for the birthday of PLDT Pres. Napoleon L. Nazareno for the benefit of the Operation Smile Foundation. The best part was, being treated to breakfast at Pancake House by Chairman MVP.:)

 Taekwondo Team, Boxing Team, and TNT

 

 

DECEMBER 2010 

• Dec.6 (San Juan Arena) - I was in-charge of our brand's exposure in the Philippine Collegiate Championship League but I was able to attend only its 1st Zonal game in Arellano University and its Finals/Championship game at the San Juan Arena. Ateneo de Manila was the season's champions.

 congrats!

• Dec. 10 (Araneta Coliseum) - We watched TNT's game. It was officially my last day at work and it's kinda sad.

 awww...

•  Dec. 12 (Meralco Multi-Purpose Hall) - I was invited to the Fans' Day and Christmas party of the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters team. It was a night of fun games and good music.:)

 the players

 w/ my friend Joyski, Ryan Reyes and Jared Dillinger

 the girls w/ the team coaches

• Dec. 17 (SMX Convention Center) - I got an invitation to the annual Smart Christmas Party. There were a lot of employees from all over the country. Talk 'N Text and Smart Gilas did a dance number while we moved around to take photos with the people we know.

 last official photo w/ the Smart Sports team :'(

 w/ TNT's coaches and managers

 Chairman MVP shaking hands w/ Mr. Henry Sy (SM Xmas Party at the hall next to ours)

and so we're called "MVP's Angels" haha!:))

 

So that's a wrap of my 5-month stay in the time. It was quite a short time but it really felt like I've been there for a long time because of a lot of events I've attended and worked on and because of the friendship and teamwork I've had with my co-workers. I would really miss the experience. But now, I'm glad that all of those experiences have contributed to what I am now. Much of the strength and confidence I have now were gained through the experiences I've been through in Smart Sports.

 

It's been a rollercoaster ride. But the best part was, I was able to juggle everything -- work, stress, sports, travel, and fun. It was really ALL-IN-ONE!:)