Smart MVP assembles taekwondo best, brightest

MANILA, Philippines - The country’s finest fighters will take the spotlight on Saturday when they vie in the 2015 SMART MVP Best of the Best Taekwondo Championships at Robinsons Place, Manila.

Elite blackbelters from 12 regions including ARMM, CAR, CARAGA and the NCR will see action in the prestigious event, according to tournament director Jesus Morales III.

The field is also limited to gold medal winners in national events such as the Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao tournaments, UAAP, NCAA, AFP-PNP Olympics and all Philippine Taekwondo Association competitions in Metro Manila and the different regions including high-level blackbelt organizations such as the Taekwondo Blackbelt Brotherhood, Taekwondo Blackbelt Sorority and all national taekwondo members.

The event will utilize the various taekwondo systems – PSS (Protective Scoring System), the ESS (Electronic Scoring System), electronic armors and socks and the IVR (Instant Video Replay) system to score points which are reflected on the monitor.  The procedures will eliminate human error and produce accurate, fair scoring and spectator-friendly matches.

Manuel V. Pangilinan, chairman of SMART Communications and PLDT and a solid patron of Philippine taekwondo, is fully backing the SMART MVP Best of the Best championships in addition to his vigorous support to the country’s top and upcoming jins over the past decade.

Martial arts enthusiasts and sports diehards, especially children who are interested to learn the sport, are invited to watch the competition starting at 8 a.m.

The event is also sponsored by PLDT, Meralco and TV5.