PARAÑAQUE CITY — Unioil Petroleum Philippines, through its partnership with Aramco, one of the world’s leading integrated energy and chemicals companies, is helping bring Aramco’s efforts to support communities in the Philippines beyond the pump and onto the court.
In addition to the continued expansion of the Aramco retail network in the country, public basketball courts in Parañaque and Quezon City have been rehabilitated as part of Aramco’s community initiatives in the Philippines. By investing in spaces that bring Filipinos together, the initiative creates opportunities for communities to move, connect, grow, and pursue their aspirations.
The refurbished court in Parañaque was formally opened with a 3×3 basketball exhibition that put the community at the center of the celebration. Collegiate basketball players from different universities competed against each other, giving neighborhood entertainment on the court from some of the sport’s most recognizable faces.
Kenneth C. Pundanera, President of Unioil Petroleum Philippines, said the court initiative reflects that the Unioil-Aramco partnership goes beyond fuel. “Unioil has been part of Filipino communities for nearly 60 years, and this partnership with Aramco is a natural extension of that legacy,” he stated. “Together, we’re able to invest in spaces like this court, because we have always believed that doing what’s good for our communities should be our top priority.”
“When we enter a community, we want to be more than a retail brand. We want to be a neighbor and a partner in building the community,” said Ziyad H. Al Juraifani, Aramco Vice President of Retail. “Through this initiative, we are investing in shared spaces that bring the community together, foster connections, and give young Filipinos opportunities to pursue their passion.”
For local officials, the project is helping to restore more than just a public facility.
“This court has always been the heart of our community: for the kids, for the families, for everyone,” said Felipe Villanueva III, President of the Garcia Heights Homeowners’ Association. “We are truly grateful to see it restored and filled with people again. We’re thankful to Aramco for investing in our barangay and helping to restore this space so that kids in our community and in neighboring villages can go back to playing basketball.”
The opening tournament drew hundreds of residents, with elimination rounds culminating in a championship game played in front of a packed neighborhood crowd. The sight of local community players competing shoulder to shoulder with collegiate athletes and celebrity personalities captured what the initiative hopes the courts will continue to inspire: confidence, teamwork, discipline, and the drive to pursue one’s potential.
The initiative reflects the power of sports to build stronger communities. Globally, Aramco partners with Formula 1 and FIFA on year-round activations for races around the globe and the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™, for which the Philippines Women’s team has qualified once again.
