From L to R: Cignal Vice President for Content Innovations, Solutions, and Channel Sales Frederick Centeno, Max’s Fourth Generation Founder Family Representative Paolo Salud, Justin Brownlee, Max’s Marketing Director Mike Dumaual, Dwight Ramos, Gilas Pilipinas Team Coach Chot Reyes, MKI President Carlyn Trota Salud, Kiefer Ravena, Gilas Pilipinas Team Manager Butch Antonio, Rhenz Abando, AJ Edu, MGI CC Jim Trota Fuentebella
Gilas Pilipinas, the country’s national basketball team, has welcomed Max’s Restaurant as a key partner that will help fuel their actions in the much-anticipated global sporting event FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
The national team and the iconic Filipino restaurant formalized their renewed tie-up in a contract signing event on Tuesday, August 15, making Max’s the Gilas Pilipinas’ official fried chicken.
Present to celebrate this development at Max’s Scout Tuazon Ruby Hall were Gilas Pilipinas players, executives from TV5 and Cignal, Max’s Group officials, and Max’s employees.
True to its “Puso to the Max” campaign—a reflection of Gilas Pilipinas and Max’s Restaurant efforts to empower every Filipino—the partnership would see the two collaborate in delivering inspiration for aspiring Filipino athletes through joint efforts that are aimed to help the Filipino youth realize their full potential in the sports arena, basketball in particular.
To kick off the partnership, Max’s will introduce the “Gilas Pilipinas Best Plate.” This features the restaurant’s all-time favorites, including its famous Sarap-to-the-Bones Fried Chicken plus a glass of Pepsi for only P499. Aside from enjoying a hearty meal with their loved ones, customers have a chance to see Gilas games live and secure premium Gilas items for every purchase of the plate. To get their hands on exclusive Gilas Pilipinas caps for only P249, diners can make a minimum purchase of P299 at the restaurant. This is valid from August 15 to October 31, 2023.
As Filipinos love dining together, Max’s Restaurant ensures that all their favorites are on one set meal. Introducing the “Mythical Five Set Meal,” the bundle will include Max’s Regular Whole Chicken, All-Beef Kare-Kare, Sizzling Tofu, Large Plain Rice, and 4 Pepsi drinks for P2,199. This will be available for dine-in and take-out. For delivery, customers can get the Home Court Bundle consisting of Spring Whole Fried Chicken, Sizzling Tofu, and Lumpiang Shanghai for P1,199. Both bundles will be available from August 15 until September 30.
Mirroring Gilas Pilipinas’ goal of leading and opening more opportunities for future athletes, Max’s is dropping some initiatives that are envisioned to make social impacts, especially on the youth’s participation in sports. The brand has committed that for every purchase of the “Mythical Five Bundle,” ₱100 will be dedicated to finance the renovation of 3 local basketball courts through the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.
“Filipinos’ love for basketball is undeniable. Considered the most popular sport in the Philippines, you can find Filipino adults or young ones playing the game everywhere—from makeshift full courts or half courts in different barangays, schools, sports centers, and local and international scenes,” MKI Marketing Director Michael Dumaual said.
“In the same way that Gilas Pilipinas fires up the enthusiasm of Filipinos and brings Pinoy Pride at international tournaments, Max’s Restaurants also takes pride in serving comforting Pinoy favorites across the country. And by being a partner of the national league, we hope to inspire and put future athletes in the spotlight, bringing them closer to the game through meaningful dining experiences,” Paolo Salud, from Max’s founders’ family’s fourth generation shared.
“We are delighted to find an ally in Max’s Restaurant, sharing the same goals of supporting Filipinos to put their best foot forward in entering sports,” Butch Antonio, Gilas Pilipinas Team Manager added.
During the event, Gilas Pilipinas players also made announcements of their scheduled games as they will represent the Philippines in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 where they would be facing off cagers from other countries.
The Philippine squad is set to make its World Cup debut against the Dominican Republic next month, August 25, in Bulacan.