UP Men's Basketball seals partnership with TopBreed

UPMBT x TopBreed

The Men's Basketball program of the University of the Philippines chalked up an additional partnership this past week, entering into another agreement with the Universal Robina Corporation.

The new partnership involves the brand TopBreed Dog Meal, which is part of URC's Agro-Industrial Group. TopBreed is tailored to satisfy nutritional and health needs of canines, allowing for their general well-being and attaining optimum performance. Among the products under its banner are ShamPooch shampoo and TopB+ vitamins. It is also considered as the leading brand of Philippine-made dog food in the country.

A long-time backer of the Fighting Maroons, URC already has a partnership with the UPMBT through its premium farm products unit, Robina Farms.

To celebrate the new partnership, a memorandum of agreement signing was held, involving URC-AIG officials Vincent Henry Go (managing director), Jonathan Diño (marketing director), and Julie Ann Climacosa (category manager). Representing the UP MBT are manager Atty. Agaton Uvero, head coach Bo Perasol, and nowheretogobutUP Foundation founder Renan Dalisay.

Go shares, "We are beyond proud to once again be part of the huge crowd of Isko and Iska supporting and rooting for the UP Fighting Maroons. We treasure this partnership with the UPMBT and the whole UP community as we share the same values of integrity, passion for excellence, innovation, and loyalty. Our parallel journeys have shown these values in action."

He adds, "TopBreed, just like the Fighting Maroons, has the same ‘never say die’ spirit, rising from the bottom to be one of the most recognized and respected teams today. This achievement mirrors how TopBreed went against internationally-known giant brands and won the hearts of Filipino furparents nationwide."

Perasol expressed gratitude for the continuing support of the Gokongwei Group of Companies for the program. He says, "We cannot thank them enough. They have been here for us even during our dark years and up to now that we are still facing this pandemic. Their help will really give us a great boost in the upcoming season." He also adds, "Like TopBreed, we were underdogs in our respective fields, but we have both risen to the challenge. We look forward to getting back on the court to give the best that we can for them and for the UP community."

Uvero echoed Perasol's sentiments, adding "We are truly grateful to URC AIG and another one of their brands - TopBreed - for continuing its support to the team despite the business difficulties in these pandemic times."

Go sees opportunities for the brand with the team. "This partnership is far from the ordinary. This time, we can see the other side of the Fighting Maroons---as furbuddies or furparents. We have must-watch features on the players and coaches with their dogs. We can also catch them on an online pupper meet and greet where we can get to know them more," he says.

Diño adds, "TopBreed and UPMBT will also partner in delivering top care to campus dogs through a project called UP Doggo Day. This partnership has much in store for the whole UPMBT crowd."