For young players in Mindanao, the Jolas Cup has long represented more than a summer tournament — it is a starting point toward bigger basketball dreams. That pathway was strengthened as the Jolas Cup 2026 returned to action at the Xavier Ateneo Sports Centre in Cagayan de Oro made possible through the support of PLDT and Smart Communications through its value brand TNT.

At its core, the tournament reflects a shared belief: that with the right platform and perseverance, dreams in basketball can become reality. For PLDT and Smart, this commitment is about building and sustaining opportunities where young athletes can grow, compete, and be discovered. In Mindanao, this vision is proven through TNT Tropang 5G Kagay-anons whose journeys began on this very court.

“The Jolas Cup 2026 shows how sports can change lives and bring communities closer. It’s more than a basketball tournament — it’s a chance to spark dreams, build character, and open doors for young Filipinos. Each game teaches resilience, discipline, teamwork, and the courage to rise after every setback. With the support of local governments, schools, partners, and communities in CDO and across the country, we're helping every kid believe that no dream is out of reach and that they deserve a shot at their full potential. At Smart Sports, we're committed to more than supporting the game — we’re investing in our youth, empowering communities, and creating pathways where talent, passion, and opportunity meet to shape the next generation of Filipino champions,” said TNT Tropang 5G Governor and PLDT Chief Leadership Transition Officer Ricky Vargas.

The tournament’s comeback brought together 28 schools from across Mindanao, giving aspiring players an opportunity to compete on a larger stage. Jolas Cup founder and PBA legend Jojo Lastimosa said the revival of the tournament was made possible through the shared vision with the telcos. 

“Grabe gyud ang support. When it comes to sports, lisod gyud labanan ang Smart ug MVP. Naay foundation nga naga-support sa grassroots programs nationwide — not just basketball but other sports (The support is strong. When it comes to sports, it is hard to compete with Smart and MVP. There is a foundation supporting grassroots programs nationwide — not just basketball, but other sports),” he said.

Rooted in Lastimosa's own journey from Cagayan de Oro to the national basketball stage, the Jolas Cup continues to serve as a bridge between local talent and broader opportunities — and his desire to give today's youth the same sense of possibility he once had.

“Passion gyud. Every summer, gina-look forward nako ni. Sa una, sa Xavier gyud ni ginabuhat, and didto sad ko nagdako. So gusto nako mahatag sa mga bata diri ang same experience nga akong naagian sauna (It’s really passion. Every summer, I look forward to this. It used to be held at Xavier, and I grew up there. I want to give the kids here the same experience I had before),” Lastimosa said.

Young student athletes make their mark at Jolas Cup 2026.

Over the years, that experience has proven transformative. Several Jolas Cup alumni — Jio Jalalon, Rey Nambatac, and Poy Erram — have gone on to collegiate, professional, and national team careers, turning early exposure into long-term development and opportunities. 

“While not everyone might become a pro, every child has a dream. This is where it starts. Daghan kaayo ug players nga gikan ani nga program nga nakaabot sa Manila. Naay uban nakaabot pa gyud ug higher level. So para sa ako, dako kaayo nga pride nga nakatabang ko pinaagi lang sa pag-create og venue para nila (Many players from this program reached Manila. Some even reached higher levels. For me, it is a big pride to have helped by creating a venue for them),” he said.

For parent Cherelyn Madelo, the tournament gives young players exposure beyond regular school-based competitions. “Jolas Cup is an opportunity for our children who are wanting to explore basketball even more. This is an experience that they will treasure and bring with them as they grow up. They also become part of a bigger basketball event beyond the usual school competitions, so this is really something special,” Madelo said.

The event also featured the participation of current TNT Tropang 5G PBA players, including Glenn Khobuntin, Rey Nambatac, Poy Erram, and Jio Jalalon, who attended tournament activities and closing events — enabling today’s professionals to inspire the next generation of players.

The tournament featured divisions from 12-under to 22-under, including the first women’s division, marking a significant step toward a more inclusive and developmental platform for youth basketball in Mindanao. School-based teams from Cagayan de Oro and nearby areas competed across all divisions, with winners including Corpus Christi School (12U, 14U), Sacred Heart of Jesus Montessori School (16U, 18U), Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School (22U Women), and Pilgrim Christian College (22U). Special awards and support from partners like mWell, the Philippines’ first fully integrated health and wellness app, Pickup Coffee, Molten, Buffalo’s Wings N’ Things, and Anta made the tournament more exciting for participants this year.

Initiatives like Jolas Cup 2026 form part of the PLDT Group’s broader commitment to youth development, community engagement, and grassroots sports programs nationwide, ensuring that for young players in Mindanao, the dream of going further in basketball starts close to home.

The Jolas Cup was streamed live on PusoP.com, and viewers can still watch the replay online. The TNT Tropang 5G is currently competing in the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Semi-Finals Watch PBA games live on free TV via RPTV or online through the Pilipinas Live App and One Sports YouTube Channel.