MILO Philippines and the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) officially announced their partnership for the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games this coming November. Held at the Taft Ballroom of Conrad Manila -, the collaborative effort reinforces MILO’s commitment to the advancement of local sports and a promise to energize the entire Team Pilipinas to become champions.

Present at the press conference were Veronica V. Cruz, Vice President, Nestlé Philippines-MILO; Lester P. Castillo, Assistant Vice President, Néstle Philippines-MILO; House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, Chairman, Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committeee; Hon. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, President, Philippine Olympic Committee; Ramon Fernandez, Commissioner, Philippine Sports Commission (in behalf of PSC Chairman and SEA Games Chef de Mission William “Butch” Ramirez); and Ramon “Tats” Suzara, Chief Operating Officer, Philippine Souteast Asian Games Organizing Committee, of who shared a common goal of rallying the nation to support the athletes representing the country under one “LABAN PILIPINAS” battlecry.

Joining them on stage, as well, were national athletes & MILO Sports Program graduates/ambassadors Alyssa Valdez (MILO Champion, Volleyball), and Pauline Lopez (MILO-Philippine Taekwondo Association), Kiefer Ravena (MILO BEST Center basketball), who each shared their own inspirational stories of starting out in MILO sports programs at a very young age to now representing the country in a global stage. They also harped on the positive effect that the crowd’s energy can have on them during competitions.

As the hosts for this year’s festivities, happening from the 30th of November to the 11th of December, the Philippines aims to hold the largest SEA Games ever with 56 sports, an estimated 9,840 athletes and team officials, 2,050 technical officials, 1,500 press and media attendees, 12,000 volunteers, targeting as many as 500 million viewers all participating in a sporting experience of a lifetime. It will be held in three key hubs: the main hub will be in Clark, Pampanga (in the newly-constructed New Clark Sports Village), the secondary hub being the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, and the tertiary hub situated in Metro Manila and nearby areas.

A Shared Call of Unity

This year’s theme and motto, “We Win As One,” celebrates unity in diversity and heralds the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship among Filipinos and neighboring countries in the region. This aligns with the lifelong values learned through sports that MILO has been advocating in its grassroots programs such as the MILO Sports Clinics, MILO Brgy. Liga, MILO Champ Camp, MILO Little Olympics, and National MILO Marathon, along with the true essence of what it means to be a champion in sports and in life through its revered Champions, ambassadors and partners.

“As a longtime supporter of Philippine sports, it is with great honor and privilege that MILO comes in as a gold partner for the historic 30th SEA Games,” said Veronica Cruz, Vice President, Nestlé Philippines-MILO. “As our athletes and local sports communities continue to work hard in the preparation for the SEA Games, we want to help energize the country to cheer them on and let them know that we are all with them in defending our homecourt, win or lose.”

“As the competition unfolds, the entire nation will witness our Filipino athletes’ relentless drive in bringing glory to our country, bounded by the spirit of true sportsmanship. Such display of character will serve as a gold standard to parents and children on how starting young into sports promote character forming values that contribute to nation building,” said Lester P. Castillo, Assistant Vice President, Nestlé Philippines-MILO. “It is this very reason why MILO remains committed to grassroots sports development together with the PSC, the POC and other partners. We aim to continue nourishing the entire nation’s ambitions fueled by the nutritious energy MILO provides.”

House Speaker and PHISGOC Chairman Cayetano shared, “Having a partner like MILO, whose storied heritage and contributions to Philippine sports has been unmatched for many years, is very valuable for us. We are looking forward to a successful and meaningful hosting of the SEA Games, one fueled by our nationwide winning energy. Laban Pilipinas!”

Inspiring the Nation to Support Our Athletes

In line with the hosting of the 2019 SEA Games, a series of inspirational videos were also launched featuring MILO Champions Valdez and Lopez, gearing up for their respective national team stints. The materials captured the moments the athletes displayed discipline, confidence, and determination during their training and the rousing effect of having a nation of champions encouraging them on every step of the way.

“When we hear the crowd cheering their hearts out for us, it’s a special feeling. It helps me hit harder, jump higher, and play smarter. It allows us to believe that we can overcome the odds and win together,” shared Valdez.

“There will always be doubters and naysayers who will try to pull you down. Instead of being affected by their negativity, I channel all my efforts towards proving them wrong, becoming a stronger version of my self, and in the process inspiring others, especially young girls,” said Lopez.

This November, watch out for the athletes’ videos that will be found on MILO Philippines’ official Facebook page and on Nestlé Philippines’ official YouTube channel in preparation for the SEA Games season.

Engaging the Nation with Winning Energy

In commemoration of the partnership, limited edition Laban Pilipinas mugs and SEA Games inspired sports bottles bundled with select MILO packs will be available in supermarkets and groceries nationwide and select online platforms. The sports bottles are already available for purchase, while the sports mugs will be launching this November.

MILO Philippines will also be present in key game venues with its sports activities and provision of cold MILO drinks to help energize the community in rallying Team Philippines during the competition. For more information. For more information and updates, log on to the official website (http://www.milo.com.ph) or the MILO Philippines Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/milo.ph). Follow MILO on Twitter (@MiloPH) and Instagram (@MiloPhilippines).