Manila, Philippines – Mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has partnered with SM Cyberzone to bring the big screen experience of esports to fans. Through the partnership, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League – Philippines Playoffs will be streamed in select cinemas of SM, such as SM BF Paranaque, SM Bicutan, and SM Sucat. 

SM will be showing the Season 9 Playoffs in eight (8) SM Cinemas from April 28 to May 1, 2022, within the said mall locations, fans can purchase tickets from SM Cinema’s official website, SM Cinema app, or via the ticket booths to cheer for their favourite teams. Tickets include a free popcorn and MLBB freebies for cinema-goers.

Precy P. Katigbak, first VP and head of national key accounts at PLDT and Smart, shared, “Our partnership with SM for this event is aligned with our goal — to give our customers the best experience. Smart has always been supportive of the passions of our customers, particularly in esports.”

Katigbak added, “We have been empowering over 43 million gamers in the Philippines through our reliable 4G/LTE and 5G network, affordable products and services, and activities that help develop the esports industry in our country.”

Telco Smart has 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. 

Philippines — Telecommunications company PLDT’s wireless division Smart communication is partnering with SM to bring back SM Cyberzone Game Fest this year, a gaming event that features esports tournaments, a meet-and-greet with influencers, new product displays, sales and many more.

Precy P. Katigbak, FVP and head of national key accounts at PLDT and Smart, commented that they are excited to support Filipino esports athletes and gaming enthusiasts from all walks of life, by providing the best experience and the fastest LTE and 5G mobile network to power their game.

“With our massive network rollout and through our partnership with SM Cyberzone, we hope to empower our digital-savvy customers as they pursue their passions in mobile gaming and technology,” Katigbak said.

Mark Ramilo, group marketing manager of Cyberzone, said, “Throughout the years, we have been supporting the gaming community here in the country. Through SM Cyberzone’s Game Fest, we provide them with a venue to celebrate their passion for gaming. We want to help them further elevate their game through the latest tech-assured products that we have in Cyberzone.”

Smart also introduced GIGA Arena at the event. GIGA Arena is the country’s first all-in-one platform that aims to bring the total esports experience to the fingertips of subscribers. Open to all Smart and TNT customers, GIGA Arena lets users match up with fellow players to compete in daily, weekly, and monthly tournaments on gigarena.smart for prestige and cash prizes.

Aside from enabling users to compete in live tournaments, the all-in-one platform also comes with innovative features that allow mobile gamers to set up tournaments, stream live competitions, play arcade games, purchase e-load, and conveniently link their e-wallet to secure their tournament winnings via GigaPay with PayMaya, among others.

In partnership with Smart, SM Cyberzone Game Fest also recently held its first all-women Mobile Legends tournament. Smart and SM Cyberzone are also set to enable other community tournaments all throughout the three-month campaign.