UP officials, student-athletes, and executives of the Palawan Group of Companies come together in support of the Fighting Maroons, represented by the UP Men’s and Women’s Basketball Teams.
As the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons charge into UAAP Season 89, PalawanPay is once again throwing its support behind UP’s student-athletes—this time with a partnership that reaches far beyond the basketball court.
What began in 2019 as support for the UP Men’s Basketball Team has grown into a broader commitment to the university’s varsity community, reflecting PalawanPay’s belief that developing athletes means investing not only in competition, but also in discipline, resilience, teamwork and character.
That partnership took center stage during the UP Fight x Palawan Group of Companies UAAP Season 89 Kick-Off on September 2 at the UP Varsity Training Center, where athletes, coaches and university officials gathered to formally welcome the new season.
The UP PEP Squad performing the university chant
The celebration continued on September 4 at the University Theatre during the UP Pep Rally Season 89, which brought together students, alumni, coaches and supporters to rally behind the Fighting Maroons.
From Basketball to a Broader UP Sports Movement
Palawan Group’s involvement with UP athletics has steadily expanded since it first backed the Men’s Basketball Team seven years ago.
Today, its support extends to the Women’s Basketball and Women’s Volleyball teams, swimming and judo squads, and the UP Pep Drummers. The group is also exploring opportunities to support track and field and tennis.
The expansion reflects a philosophy that sees sports sponsorship as more than putting a company name behind a winning team.
For PalawanPay, meaningful support starts long before athletes step onto the court, field or pool. It includes helping create an environment where student-athletes can prepare, compete and grow while carrying the expectations that come with representing the country’s national university.
Through its partnership with the UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development, PalawanPay continues to support programs aimed at strengthening the university’s athletic community.
UP OASD Deputy Director Mo Gingerich said the backing of the wider UP community gives athletes added confidence as they prepare for competition.
“As we begin another UAAP season, it is important that we continue to support all our athletes and all our teams. They have worked hard to get here, and knowing that the UP community is behind them gives them the strength and confidence to represent the University and fight for excellence,” Gingerich said.
More Than Wins and Losses
The atmosphere at the UP Pep Rally underscored that support.
Varsity teams shared the stage with students, alumni, coaches and supporters in a show of solidarity that reinforced one of the university’s strongest sporting traditions—the idea that UP athletes never compete alone.
For Palawan Group Chief Financial Officer Lillian Castro-Selda, the partnership carries an added personal meaning.
A UP alumna herself, Castro-Selda has witnessed the relationship grow from its early days supporting men’s basketball into a wider commitment to the university’s athletes.
“We believe that supporting our athletes is one way of strengthening the UP spirit. It is one way of strengthening our pride in our University. And perhaps most importantly, it is one way of saying: We believe in you,” Castro-Selda said.
That message mirrors the values PalawanPay sees in the Fighting Maroons: hard work, perseverance, discipline and the willingness to keep moving forward despite setbacks.
UP OASD Director Coach Bo Perasol likewise challenged student-athletes to make the most of every opportunity to wear the UP colors.
“Play for each other. As you enter any court, take that moment and have that courage because hindi na ito uulit. Show them your passion. Let them feel your discipline. UP Fight!” Perasol said.
UP President Angelo “Jijil” Jimenez also reminded athletes that the meaning of “UP Fight” goes beyond the pursuit of championships. It is also about becoming better individuals, standing up for others and contributing to the country.
A Partnership Rooted in UP
PalawanPay’s connection to the university goes deeper than a traditional corporate sponsorship.
The partnership began in 2019 through the UP community, when a fellow alumna introduced Castro-Selda to the people behind the Fighting Maroons. Those early conversations eventually brought Palawan Express Pera Padala on board as a sponsor of the UP Men’s Basketball Team.
For the Castro family, the partnership is also a way of giving back to their alma mater.
Palawan Group founders Bobby and Angelita Castro and their five children are all UP alumni, giving the company a strong personal connection to the university and its community.
That relationship has continued through both victories and challenges.
When the Fighting Maroons captured the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball championship in 2024, the Palawan Group celebrated the milestone with a Thanksgiving Dinner at UP Diliman.
Palawan Group Founder and Chairman Bobby Castro said at the time that the team’s championship journey reflected many of the same lessons that shaped the growth of the company.
“For both our company and the Fighting Maroons, success doesn’t come easy. You have to sacrifice, work hard, and overcome difficulties,” Castro said.
Standing Behind the Journey
As UAAP Season 89 gets underway, PalawanPay is continuing to expand what has become one of its most enduring partnerships.
The goal goes beyond helping UP chase trophies.
For PalawanPay, standing behind the Fighting Maroons means supporting the discipline required to prepare, the resilience needed to recover from setbacks and the sense of purpose that student-athletes carry long after the final buzzer.
What started with one basketball team has evolved into a wider commitment to UP sports—and to the generations of athletes who continue to embody the battle cry that unites the university.
UP Fight.