THE MANUEL V. PANGILINAN PERPETUAL TROPHY

The Manuel V. Pangilinan (MVP) Perpetual Trophy, named after the sports-loving boss of PLDT and Smart, is an imposing bronze trophy sculpted by the renowned Juan Sajid Imao, and inspired by the theme Abutin ang Tagumpay (Reaching for Success) showing several hands reaching high for a basketball.

Such a motivating theme is parallel to the objectives of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) of encouraging collegiate basketball teams and players to set and aim for loftier goals, bigger feats and success instead of focusing their efforts within their mother leagues only.

Inspired by several prestigious basketball and golf tournaments in the US, the MVP perpetual trophy will be kept by the PCCL champion team during its reign and have its team name etched on it. The team will also receive a replica.

The right to keep the original trophy for a year goes up for grabs anew in the next season.

A gift to the sports patron

Friends, colleagues and supporters of Pangilinan hatched the idea of presenting him a symbolic gift in recognition of his immense love and support for Philippine sports.

And because he is such a big basketball fan, they thought of creating the MVP Perpetual Trophy for the PCCL champion. They made it clear, however, that the trophy is not only in recognition of his support for basketball, but for his overwhelming support to Philippine sports as well.

In addition, MVP is a moving force behind the success of the Ateneo Blue Eagles (2008 UAAP champion) San Beda Red Lions (2008 NCAA champion) and Talk n’ Text in the PBA.

Nothing less than a top sculptor

The MVP Perpetual Trophy sculptor Sajid Imao, son of national artist Abdulamri Imao, is also behind bigger masterpieces such as the imposing Lapu Lapu monument at the Rizal Park in Manila and Gallery of Presidents in the walled city of Intramuros.

In his field of endeavor, Imao also aimed higher and did not allow limitations to be in the way of turning opportunities to bigger accomplishments. Imao has deteriorating eyesight due to a retinal problem, but that did not deter him from being one of the country’s foremost and internationally acclaimed sculptors.

Imao is the recipient of numerous local awards and recognitions, including the 2007 Metrobank Prize for Achievement in Sculpture (MPAS), which is awarded to sculptors who have created a unique and extensive body of work, and achieved considerable renown. A year earlier, Imao was also chosen as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World.

The work of a masterful artist, the Manuel V. Pangilinan Trophy, will definitely be an inspiring beacon as collegiate teams nationwide aspire for higher goals.