JOJO Lastimosa still remembers the cracked pavement of Cagayan de Oro where his basketball journey began.
“We didn’t have fancy courts or gear—just one hoop, one ball, tsinelas lang, and a lot of heart,” he shared. “But that was enough to dream.”
Now a PBA legend and TNT Tropang 5G team manager, coach Jolas is returning to his roots—not just to reminisce, but to give back. Through RHJ on Tour 2025, TNT’s latest grassroots basketball initiative, Coach Jolas is mentoring the next generation of Filipino athletes.
“There’s no shortcut to success,” he said. “You have to show up every day, train hard, and stay disciplined. That’s what I tell the kids—learn to coach yourself, stay away from distractions, and always listen to your parents.”
RHJ on Tour 2025, named after TNT’s star import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, is more than a basketball clinic. It’s a movement to inspire and empower. Running every weekend until July, the tour brings free training to youth across Metro Manila and the provinces, blending skills development with life lessons. Hollis-Jefferson was named Best Import in the 2024–2025 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, where TNT Tropang 5G emerged as champions back in March.
“This was Rondae’s idea,” coach Jolas revealed. “He wanted to go beyond the court—to connect, to inspire, to give back. That’s the kind of leader he is.”
Hollis-Jefferson, who played six seasons in the NBA prior to joining TNT Tropang 5G, is joined by TNT icons Jayson Castro, Ranidel de Ocampo, Bong Ravena, and Coach Jolas himself. Together, they teach not just dribbling and shooting, but values like teamwork, resilience, and humility.
“TNT, Smart, and PLDT have always believed in the power of sports to build a better nation,” said Jude Turcuato, Head of Sports at PLDT and Smart. “Basketball is more than a game—to Filipinos especially, it’s a bridge to opportunity, a tool for unity, and a source of hope.”
Powered by TNT 5G, the program also connects young athletes to digital resources, helping them grow on and off the court.
Coach Jolas summed it up best: “We may not have had the best facilities growing up, but we had passion. And that’s what we’re passing on—heart, hustle, and the belief that greatness can come from anywhere.”
For updates and the full schedule, follow TNT Tropang 5G’s Facebook page.
