There is no doubt that this year’s MVP Olympics (MVPO) will be a good one. If last year’s MVPO taught us anything, it was one’s passion, determination, and drive that ultimately made PLDT bring back the crown as it was hailed once again as champions.

Mr. PLDT Toby Mejia and Ms. PLDT Sandra Pineda

This year is no different. Every PLDT hero worked hard to where they are now – from dance sports, cosplay, e-games, broadway, and to our very own Mr. and Ms. PLDT. Each plays a role that fueled the sparks for everyone to push through and fight – the PLDT way, the Pusong PLDT kind. 

Toby Mejia and Sandra Pineda entered the interview room with high spirits and jolly smiles. As one begins a conversation with them, it is apparent that these two are such genuine and happy souls. 

Ms. PLDT Sandra Pineda

Twenty-four-year old Mejia has been with PLDT for four years and two months now. He works as a General Services Procurement Specialist under the PLDT Supply Chain Management. When asked if he’s had any experiences when it comes to pageants and modelling, he said he’s had three experiences so far – twice during his college years in the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and once in the Manila City Hall. 

On the other hand, 29-year old Pineda has been with the company for over a year now. She works as part of the communications team of PLDT Enterprise’s Brand Equity Management Team. Pineda says that she’s had no modelling or pageant experience but she is grateful for the experience of becoming this year’s Ms. PLDT. 

Pineda shares their preparation on how they trained hard to be the company’s representatives in this year’s MVPO. Coached by the legendary Abbygale Arenas-de Leon, who was Miss Universe Philippines 1997, Pineda and Mejia trained once a week for four hours.  “Having those one-on-one workshops with Ms. Abbygale was really helpful. She taught us the basics of pageantry such as proper posture and gesture, you walk, how you talk. We are very fortunate,” Pineda said.  

Pusong PLDT 

As Mr. and Ms PLDT, Mejia and Pineda’s roles go beyond what their work demands of them. However, they still manage to represent the company with all their heart, with all their Pusong PLDT. 

Mr. PLDT Toby Mejia

“When one says “Pusong PLDT,” ultimately that has everything to do with what’s inside of you. It talks about your courage, your bravery. But more than that, it speaks of a collective narrative – it is the resilient spirit and the brave Pusong PLDT that is within every employee that I want to show to the whole MVP Group come pageant day,” Pineda said. 

“For me, Pusong PLDT is the ability to face the challenges no matter how difficult and seemingly insurmountable they can be. Through collaboration, teamwork, and camaraderie – and as long as one’s heart is in it – anything is possible to achieve. Sandra and I are giving our 100% time and effort because this is our own little way of reciprocating all the love and support that we have received all throughout our MVPO journey,” Mejia said.  

Support Mejia and Pineda on March 3, Sunday from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. at the Meralco Theater as they compete in the Mr. and Ms. MVPO Pageant. — Katrina A. Mallari