CDO’s first esports convention powered by PLDT, Smart

Misamis Oriental Esports Organization (MESO) recently partnered with PLDT and its wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) for the first eSports convention in Cagayan de Oro City. 

Smart provided the ?50,000 prize pool for the champions of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Call of Duty: Mobile Tournaments. PLDT also provided connectivity support to power the event’s livestreaming. 

MESO’s Liaison Officer Christopher Gella said, “We are grateful for Smart’s support to MESO to bring the first-ever gaming convention to Kagay-anon and Misamisnon gamers. Thanks also to PLDT for addressing our connectivity needs.”

Supporting hundreds of gaming enthusiasts from Northern Mindanao, MESO is the provincial governing body for esports in Misamis Oriental, which aims to produce an ace team to represent the province in the national gaming scene. Professional guests also gave talks on how to create healthy spaces online, to be responsible gamers, and to promote positive change in the industry. 

“We are honored to be a key partner in creating opportunities for our local gamers to shine, despite the pandemic. With Smart’s affordable data promos and better network connectivity, gamers can continue to showcase their passion for esports,” said Josh Dael, Smart’s Community Development Specialist.  

Smart has long supported the development of esports in the country. Recently, Smart has launched GIGA Arena—the telco’s latest thrust to enable gamers and esports enthusiasts to enjoy their favorite games. To start playing and participating in tournaments on Smart GIGA Arena, customers can simply go to https://gigaarena.smart and register their Smart Prepaid, TNT and Smart Bro Prepaid mobile number. 

Aside from supporting national and professional teams, the mobile operator also recently marked its fifth year of partnership with Shanghai-based international gaming developer, MOONTON Games, as the official telco partner for all Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Pro League (MPL) Philippines tournaments in 2022. 

To support the growing mobile data needs of Filipino gaming communities, Smart has increased to 75,400 its total base stations nationwide as of end-December 2021, supporting its 3G, 4G/LTE and 5G subscribers from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi, including around 7,200 5G base stations.  Smart’s mobile network is supported by PLDT’s fiber infrastructure, which is at 743,700 kilometers as of end-December.