PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications Inc. chair and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan welcomed the champions of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) arena, Smart Omega Empress, to the PLDT headquarters. This comes after their historic victory at the MLBB Women’s Invitational 2024 held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
“We are proud of our women esports athletes who are thriving in this highly competitive scene. We hope to see more of them on the global stage carrying not only our brand but, more importantly, our flag,” Pangilinan said.
Smart Omega Empress, an all-Cebuana, all-female MLBB champion team, showcased exceptional skill and teamwork. Led by team captain Mery Christine “Meraaay” Vivero, the team includes Rica Fatima “Amoreee” Amores, Sheen “Shinoa” Perez, Kaye Maerylle “Keishi” Alpuerto, Gwyneth “Not Ayanami” Diagon, and Coach Salman “King Salman” Macarambon. They dominated the tournament, securing a 3-0 series win against the three-time winner, Team Vitality.
Smart has long been a supporter of the rapidly growing esports scene in the Philippines, providing products, programs, and services designed to nurture the passion and talent of Filipino gamers. The company has backed numerous tournaments at various levels, from grassroots to national competitions, encouraging Filipinos to showcase their gaming skills. This aligns with PLDT’s broader commitment to supporting and promoting sports and Filipino athletes.