PLDT Inc.’s wireless arm, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), powered up the 23rd season of the most awaited inter-scholastic school sports competition in Cebu, the CESAFI games 2023, as the league’s exclusive telco partner.

“Smart is proud to stand by CESAFI as they enter their 23rd season. This support is a testament to the commitment of Smart and our parent company PLDT to supporting local sports, including esports, and Filipino athletes because we believe in the power of sports to unite and inspire communities. Through our interactive booths, exclusive prizes and Infocast service, we aim to enhance the CESAFI experience and bring the thrill of the games closer to the youth,” said Antonette Orpilla, Go-To-Market and Subs Management Senior Manager at Smart.

Smart also supported the exciting season of Ms. CESAFI 2023 by sponsoring the Smart Texter’s Choice Award, which was presented to the candidate with the most number of votes from the fans.

CESAFI commissioner Felix Tiukinhoy Jr. thanked PLDT and Smart for their continued support for a longer and more competitive season. “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to PLDT and Smart for the nine long years of partnership. I hope to continue our collaboration for the coming years, especially in esports. We already have a million followers of esports and we hope to invite more participants through our partnership,” said Tiukinhoy.

To make the 23rd year of CESAFI a fun experience for all, Smart offered value-packed promos such as the Power All 99 and Magic Data Plus 149, which are suitable for those who want to watch the games live or stream the game highlights from their mobile device.

Power All 99 comes with 8GB of data for all sites and apps, unli TikTok access and unli texts to all networks valid 7 days for only P99, while Magic Data Plus 149 comes with data that does not expire (2GB data for all sites and apps, 50 mins calls to all networks, 50 SMS to all networks). Smart subscribers can also download the Smart App for more information about Smart's latest offers and unlock exclusive deals.

Smart also mounted interactive booths, including basketball hoops challenge during the opening day, promising winners with fun prizes such as Smart and TNT stickers, water tumblers, shirts, tote bags, bucket hats and load cards.

Apart from all the exciting prizes and promos, PLDT Home also provided lightning-fast 1GBps speed connectivity for livestreaming to enable more viewers to watch the games and ensure that fans never miss a moment of action as 17 member schools battle it out for supremacy.

Smart’s support for CESAFI as its exclusive telco partner since 2013 forms part of the PLDT group’s efforts to support Filipino athletes, championing the youth by bolstering grassroots sports development across the country, and helping institutions discover the country’s next generation of elite athletes who will proudly wear the Philippine flag and bring honor to Filipinos.