The Meralco Bolts bring a charged, defensive-minded identity to the Philippine Basketball Association's Commissioner Cup. Based in Manila, the team is owned by the Meralco Corporation and plays its home games at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and the Mall of Asia Arena, sporting a distinctive orange, blue, and white color scheme. The "Bolts" name is a direct reference to the electrical energy company that owns the franchise. Since joining the league in 2010, the Bolts have carved out a reputation as a tough, physical opponent. Their defining era has been in recent years under coach Norman Black, where they have become perennial contenders in the Commissioner Cup, largely due to the stellar play of their longtime import, Allen Durham, and the backcourt leadership of Chris Newsome. This core has led Meralco to multiple finals appearances in the import-laden conference, though a championship has narrowly eluded them. The current team continues to lean on a stout defense anchored by Raymond Almazan and the all-around play of Newsome, always posing a significant challenge. The Bolts have cultivated a solid and growing fan base drawn to their relentless energy and team-first philosophy.