The 5th First Balfour Football Cup, held at Atleta63 in Bridgetowne, marked an extraordinary milestone in the tournament’s history. This year’s edition broke records, introduced new highlights, and celebrated both the spirit of competition and First Balfour’s 55th anniversary, making it the most memorable tournament yet.
All 18 teams at the Atleta63 football field
A Record-Breaking Year
The growth of the First Balfour Football Cup was evident in its numbers. For the first time in the event’s history, the tournament welcomed 18 teams, the highest turnout ever, and introduced two competitive divisions—Division 1 and Division 2—to ensure fairness and maximize participation. This structure allowed teams of varying skill levels to compete against similarly skilled opponents, adding a new layer of excitement to the games.
Trophies and medals in this year’s First Balfour Cup
The inclusion of sponsors further elevated the event, showcasing its prominence in the local football community. The 5th First Balfour Football Cup was co-presented by Hino Motors Philippines, Phelps Dodge, Meva Formworks, and T1 Rentals, with additional support from esteemed partners including Monark Equipment Corp., Civic Merchandising, Maxima Machineries Incorporated, Shell, Megawide PCS, and Trevi Foundations. The event was also proudly made possible by Hilti, Steelasia, and Holcim.
This collaboration between First Balfour and its sponsors not only amplified the prestige of the event but also fostered a sense of unity and shared purpose among key players in the engineering and construction industry.
Division 1: Nishimatsu’s First Championship
The Division 1 matches were a showcase of high-level football, with teams battling fiercely for the top spot. The tournament culminated in a historic moment as Nishimatsu emerged as the Division 1 champions, clinching their first-ever championship title in the history of the tournament.
Following closely behind, Holcim claimed the second spot after a series of impressive performances, while Meralco rounded out the podium in third place, showcasing their consistency and skill throughout the competition.
Division 1 winners Holcim (yellow/grey), Nishimatsu (green/black), and Meralco (in orange/blue)
Division 2: PNB Dominates
In Division 2, the competition was equally fierce. PNB rose to the occasion, dominating their matches and taking home the championship trophy. Their triumph reflected their dedication and teamwork, which shone brightly throughout the tournament.
UnionBank secured second place, showcasing their resilience and strategic gameplay, while Megawide claimed third, delivering solid performances that earned them a well-deserved spot on the podium.
Division 2 winners Unionbank (orange/white), PNB (light blue), and Megawide (black/red)
Individual Awards: Celebrating Excellence
The 5th First Balfour Football Cup also recognized outstanding individual performances, highlighting the exceptional talent of the players. The following individuals stood out and were honored for their contributions:
- Phelps Dodge Best Goalkeeper: Kengo Iwata (Nishimatsu)
- Best Defender: Lester John Miranda (Holcim)
- Hino Best Midfielder: Randy Salisad (Unionbank)
- Meva Best Striker: Enzo Tansingco (PNB)
- Most Valuable Player: Ryohei Fushimi (Nishimatsu)
In addition to these awards, the Sportsmanship Award was presented to Arup, recognizing their exemplary conduct, fairness, and respect for opponents, both on and off the field.
Raffle Prizes and Anniversary Celebration
As part of the celebration of First Balfour’s 55th anniversary, the tournament also featured raffle prizes worth a total of PHP 55,000. The giveaways featured a grand prize of Php5,000 worth of merchandise from Toby’s Sports, an official Ligue 1 match ball, five Php1000 winners, and a variety of sports equipment, including socks, bags, and water bottles.
This gesture was a reflection of First Balfour’s commitment to fostering a sense of community and appreciation among its employees, partners, and stakeholders.
Winner of the Ligue 1 Official Match Ball (L) with First Balfour Head of Strategic Business Planning Vicente de Lima (R)
Looking ahead, the success of the 5th First Balfour Football Cup sets a high benchmark for future editions of the tournament. With record-breaking participation, the introduction of sponsorships, and the inclusion of meaningful community elements, the event has firmly established itself as a highlight in the year.
More than just a competition, the tournament represents First Balfour’s dedication to creating a positive impact through sports, fostering connections among its employees, partners, and the broader community.
