A few weeks after the Philippine Women’s National Football Team (PWNFT) went home to thank their fans and supporters, midfielder Quinley Quezada said she still finds everything unreal.

“It’s been amazing seeing all the support that we’ve been getting. Hearing the national anthem being played at the World Cup for the first time – I think that’s when it really hit us that we’re on the world stage,” she said at the sidelines of their meeting with PLDT Inc. and MVP Sports Foundation (MVPSF) Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, PLDT and Smart Communications President and CEO Alfredo S. Panlilio, and other executives.

Filipinas midfielder Quinley Quezada turns over a special jersey to PLDT and Smart Communications President and CEO and MVPSF President Alfredo S. Panlilio during their meet-and-greet.   

The scene from their July 25 game – when fans from all over the world flocked to the Wellington Regional Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand to cheer and show an outpour of their support for the Filipinas – will forever be etched in Quezada’s mind. “It was really heartfelt and got us emotional,” she shared. “We were so proud to bring the flag and the country there with us on the international stage.” The Filipinas bagged their first-ever win that night during their maiden appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 against New Zealand. 

Now part of the team’s offensive lineup, Quezada shared that she, in fact, tried out in the training program of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) back in 2017, three years after the MVPSF began their support for the PWNFT.

“I remember going to my first camp and having all the logos posted everywhere. It has really been amazing to have MVPSF’s support back then leading up to now. The support of MVPSF has helped us a lot, it’s just a testament to how much a team can prosper if they have the right support. I am really grateful,” she said.

The MVP conglomerate and the MVPSF have long been staunch supporters of the development of sports for Filipinos. In particular, the group has supported football since more than a decade ago through the Philippine Football Federation-Smart National Club Championships. The foundation began supporting the PFF's Women's National Team program in 2014 when the organization decided to invest in Talent Identification of heritage Filipinas playing in the US, the FIFA Women's World #1 ranked country. 

“Our organization have been long-standing supporters of Philippine football. We have partnered with the PFF and have backed their initiatives to develop the beautiful game here in the country, including the active promotion of football at the grassroots level by running leagues for regional and provincial clusters for both boys and girls,” said Jude Turcuato, PLDT and Smart Head of Sports, and MVPSF Executive Director.

MVPSF also supported PFF Coaches' Education initiatives, including the PFF-MVPSF National Coaches' Convention, which updates the local instructors and trainers with the latest trends. FIFA and World Football experts also share their knowledge and best practices through Technical and Tactical discussions.

“It took a lot of hard work, a lot of heart, a lot of belief, and I’m just very proud of the team, of the staff, and everyone that has supported us. It’s just really been an amazing journey,” added Quezada.

For the younger generation of future football players, Quezada reminded them to dream big. “Dream beyond your wildest imaginations because if you have the passion and the heart, I believe you can do anything you set your mind to. With the right belief and support, you can do the impossible.”