As part of First Balfour’s 56th anniversary celebration, the company once again gathered its valued partners, clients, and suppliers for the 6th First Balfour Football Cup. What began in 2019 as a small tournament to mark the company’s 50th year has since grown into one of its most anticipated annual traditions—an event that goes beyond the sport and celebrates the camaraderie, shared stories, and the lasting partnerships built over the years.
Participating Teams of the 6th First Balfour Invitational Football Cup gathered for a group photo.
Held last November 15 at McKinley Hill Stadium in Taguig City, the 6th edition was our biggest yet. From the seven pioneering teams in 2019, we’ve grown to a record-breaking number of participants, prompting the introduction of two divisions: Division 1 and Division 2; and for the first time, Cup and Plate brackets within each division.
For this edition, the expanded format wasn’t just a structural update, it was designed to create a more engaging and inclusive experience for everyone. With the addition of Cup and Plate brackets within each division, teams enjoyed more playing time and a wider range of matchups, keeping the energy high and the excitement alive until the final whistle.
Diverse Teams, Shared Passion
This year, 18 teams from a wide range of industries participated, including engineering and construction, energy and utilities, banking, real estate, cement companies, and government agencies. The competition also featured an international roster of players, with nationalities ranging from Brazilian, Filipino, Irish, Egyptian, German, Japanese, Malaysian, Bangladeshi, to Thai.
The teams who participated are Acciona, Arup, Bauer Foundations Philippines, Concreat Holdings Philippines, Department of Transportation (DOTr), D.M. Consunji, Inc. (DMCI), First Balfour, First Gen–Energy Development Corporation (EDC), Holcim, JFE Engineering–First Balfour Joint Venture (JFE-FB JV), Leighton Asia, Megawide PCS, Meralco Sparks Football Club, Nishimatsu, Philippine National Bank (PNB), Rockwell Land Corporation, UnionBank, and Shimizu.
Arup, Concreat Holdings Philippines, and Rockwell Land Corporation were recognized for their fifth year of participation in the First Balfour Football Cup.
Among the participants, three companies marked their fifth year of participation. These are Arup, Concreat Holdings Philippines, and Rockwell Land Corporation, who were honored in the event for their dedication and sportsmanship over the past years.
Victories on the Field
Division 1 saw Rockwell Land Corporation reclaim the spotlight as Cup Champion, with Acciona and Concreat Holdings Philippines taking second and third place. In the Plate bracket, Nisimatsu emerged victorious, followed by First Balfour and PNB.
Division 1 Winners
Top row (L-R): Rockwell Land Corporation (Cup Champion), Acciona (Cup 1st Runner-up), Concreat Holdings Philippines (Cup 2nd Runner-up). Bottom row (L-R): Nishimatsu (Plate Champion), First Balfour (Plate 1st Runner-up), PNB (Plate 2nd Runner-up).
Over in Division 2, First Gen-EDC clinched the Cup title, with JFE-FB JV and Shimizu rounding out the podium. The Plate bracket gave us more thrilling matches, with DMCI taking the top spot, followed by Bauer Foundations Philippines and the DOTr.
Division 2 Winners
Top row (L-R): First Gen-EDC (Cup Champion), JFE-FB JV (Cup 1st Runner-up), Shimizu (Cup 2nd Runner-up). Bottom row (L-R): DMCI (Plate Champion), Bauer Foundations Philippines (Plate 1st Runner-up), DOTr (Plate 2nd Runner-up).
Individual awards added to the excitement: Louis Campos (Rockwell Land) was named Most Valuable Player, while Jason Talosig (Rockwell Land) and Ian Ocampo (First Gen-EDC) were recognized as Best Goalkeepers in their respective divisions. Eder Mendes (Acciona) and Edrian Mendoza (JFE-FB JV) earned Best Field Player honors, and Leighton Asia took home the Sportsmanship Award.
Living Our Values
The event reflects the Lopez Values, especially employee welfare and wellness. It goes beyond crowning champions; it creates a space where players, along with their friends and families, can connect, recharge, and celebrate together. With trusted partners by its side, the First Balfour Cup continues to grow—not just in size, but in meaning and community spirit.
