By Al S. Mendoza

 

WHO says the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is losing its clout, popularity?

Think again, fellas.

Just minutes after Wilfred Uytengsu announced Alaska’s departure from the PBA after the ongoing Governors’ Cup, five prospective buyers immediately showed up.

“I didn’t expect to receive an avalanche of buyers [of the Alaska franchise] so quickly,” Uytengsu was quoted by his friend as saying.

All five companies were practically qualified to buy Alaska as the owners were in the upper crust of society’s who’s who.

But in the end, Converge ICT Solutions stood out.

In fact, Converge is more than qualified as Dennis Anthony H. Uy, the company’s top gun, is No. 9 among the Top 10 billionaires in the country today.

Uy received a rousing unanimous vote as all 11 remaining PBA members had voted yes to accept Converge.

I am happy for the PBA, which is now fast recovering from the pandemic, as shown by the steady return of fans at both the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Q.C., and MOA Arena in Pasay City.

But I’m happier to see Converge finally joining the PBA, not only because Uy has hit the big time but, more importantly, Uy’s move had given the league a huge lift.

I personally know the guy and he’s one of a kind.

Humble to the max, Uy is honest to a fault, sincere, and who will go out of his way for a friend in need.

“A very hard-working fellow, Dennis is one who will not stop at anything just to make a project succeed, no matter the odds,” said Ed Pamintuan, the former mayor of Angeles City, who is one of Uy’s closest friends for the longest time.

One thing going for Converge, too, is that it will have Chito Salud, the former PBA commissioner, as the company’s governor to the PBA Board.

Uy is the CEO Co-Founder of Converge, the leading pure fiber data network and internet service provider in the country. It is the first to run a pure end-to-end fiber internet network, providing Filipinos simple, and reliable internet connection. Converge is ISO 9001 and CE2.0 Certified.

Uy’s statement on March 23 during Converge’s official entry into the PBA:

“Today, we are happy to announce the entry of Converge ICT Solutions Inc. into the Philippine Basketball Association.  This was made possible following the successful conclusion of the sale and transfer of the Alaska franchise to Converge.

“I wish to thank the PBA Board of Governors led by Chairman Ricky Vargas, PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial and Alaska team owner Mr. Wilfred Uytengsu for the invaluable and unqualified support they have lent Converge in realizing its quest to become a member of the PBA.

“Converge is extremely proud to be associated with the PBA, a pillar and institution in Philippine sports with a long and storied history. We are excited to commence our journey in building a track record and legacy of competitiveness, innovation, character, discipline, devotion and sportsmanship worthy of the support and respect of PBA fans.

“In the PBA Season 47 which starts in June, Converge aspires to bring to the court a brand of basketball consistent with its revolutionary and entrepreneurial spirit.

“We look forward to contributing our share in delighting and hopefully exceeding the expectations of PBA fans for topnotch sports entertainment.”

All the best, Dennis.

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