A Partnership of Resilience: PalawanPay Supports the UP Fighting Maroons

PalawanPay, from the trusted Palawan Group of Companies, reaffirmed its commitment to youth and sports development as the primary sponsor of the University of the Philippines (UP) Men’s Basketball, Judo, and Swimming Teams for UAAP Season 88. This partnership was highlighted during the “Sugod, UP! UAAP Season 88 Pep Rally” held at the University Theater in UP Diliman. Sharing a deep-rooted love for the country and a passion for nurturing Filipino talent, and with Sports Development as one of its corporate social responsibility pillars, PalawanPay continues to support the UP Fighting Maroons, a team that embodies the same spirit of national pride and commitment to honor and excellence.

Organized by the UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development (OASD), the pep rally brought together the UP community — students, faculty, staff, and alumni — in a spirited display of support for the Fighting Maroons. The event featured high-energy performances, athlete introductions, and words of encouragement, all reinforcing the university’s drive for strength, perseverance, and excellence this season.

Lilian Castro-Selda, Chief Financial Officer of Palawan Group of Companies, underscored the company’s dedication to sports development: “PalawanPay and the entire Palawan Group take sports development very seriously. In fact, it is one of the pillars of our corporate social responsibility. As proud Iskolars ng Bayan ourselves, we delight in supporting various teams of the UP Fighting Maroons. We believe that sports are more than just about fitness. It teaches you discipline, integrity, and grit — building a character that sets you up for success.”

Bernard Kaibigan, Chief Marketing Officer of the Palawan Group, added, “At PalawanPay, we believe in the power of sports to inspire discipline, perseverance, and excellence. By supporting the UP Men’s Basketball Team, Swimming Team, and Judo Team, we are investing not only in athletic performance but also in the values that young Filipinos can carry beyond the court, pool, and mat. We are proud to stand alongside the UP Fighting Maroons as they showcase the true spirit of determination this UAAP Season 88.”

Coach Bo Perasol, Director of the OASD, also expressed gratitude to sponsors for their unwavering support, “Sa ting mga sponsors, maraming salamat po. Sa panalo man o pagkatalo, kasama niyo po kami. Tatandaan ninyo, ang greatness is not given, it is earned. So, sugod UP! (This afternoon, we also extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors. In your victories and in your defeats, we stand with you. Remember, greatness is not given, it is earned. So, go forward, UP!).”

Palawan Group has been a dedicated sponsor of the UP Fighting Maroons since 2019, under the leadership of founders Bobby and Angelita Castro, along with their five children who are all proud UP alumni who now serve as executives of the company. Their commitment has been demonstrated through the consistent renewal of the partnership, ensuring the team receives unwavering support and vital resources. This strong alliance was highlighted last December when the Palawan Group of Companies hosted a Champions’ Thanksgiving Dinner at UP Diliman to celebrate the Fighting Maroons’ historic back-to-back victory in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament on December 18, 2024.

With PalawanPay now leading the sponsorship, the Fighting Maroons continue their journey into UAAP Season 88 with strengthened resources, renewed motivation, and the solid backing of the UP community. The partnership reflects PalawanPay’s mission to empower Filipino athletes while fostering a culture of resilience, teamwork, and national pride. As the new season begins, PalawanPay stands firmly behind the Fighting Maroons, echoing the rallying cry: Sugod, UP!

UAAP Season88 tickets for the UP Men’s Basketball Team are now officially available through PalawanPay! UP alumni, students, and employees can secure up to two tickets per game by simply downloading the PalawanPay app, tapping the UAAP UP Ticket banner, choosing their preferred section, and checking out with their UP ID details. Once payment is confirmed, tickets can be claimed at the UP OASD Office (4F Student Union Bldg.) upon presenting your confirmation email and UP ID. Don’t miss the chance to cheer for the Fighting Maroons. Get your tickets now via PalawanPay and let’s unite our voices for #SugodUP at #UAAPSeason88!