First Balfour Inc., the Lopez Group’s construction and engineering arm, celebrated its 56th anniversary with the 6th First Balfour Football Cup, drawing a record 18 teams—nearly triple the number from its inaugural 2019 tournament. Held at McKinley Hill Stadium in Taguig City, the event featured local and international players and highlighted the company’s focus on wellness and partnerships.
First Balfour president and COO Joval Pantangco said the tournament has grown in both size and community spirit, becoming a much-anticipated annual gathering across industries. Teams were divided into two divisions, each with Cup and Plate brackets to offer more matches and accommodate the expanded lineup.
In Division 1, Rockwell Land captured the Cup title, with Acciona placing second and Concreat Holdings third. Nishimatsu topped the Plate bracket, followed by First Balfour and PNB. In Division 2, First Gen–EDC won the Cup, ahead of JFE-FB JV and Shimizu, while DMCI led the Plate bracket, followed by Bauer Foundations Philippines and the DOTr.
Individual awards went to Louis Campos of Rockwell Land as Most Valuable Player; Jason Talosig (Rockwell Land) and Ian Ocampo (First Gen–EDC) as Best Goalkeepers; and Eder Mendes (Acciona) and Edrian Mendoza (JFE-FB JV) as Best Field Players. Leighton Asia received the Sportsmanship Award. Arup, Concreat Holdings Philippines and Rockwell Land were also recognized for five years of continued participation.
