FILIPINO athletes are actively taking part in meaningful conversations on TikTok through the Better Today program powered by PLDT Inc., (PLDT), Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) and the MVP Sports Foundation (MVPSF).
Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, silver medalist Nesthy Petecio, basketball stars Dwight Ramos and Kai Sotto, esports player Jhayzee Rivera and PLDT Home Fibr Hitters’ primary setter Rhea Dimaculangan headline Power Move: Better Today conversations on sports and mental resilience.
The program aims to encourage Filipinos to engage in sports and to recognize the role of sports in building mental resilience.
Ramos, who is currently playing in the Japan B.League, shared how basketball brought a sense of purpose and happiness in his life.
“Ever since I was a little boy, I’ve loved the game. It made me a better person. Before training and competitions, I like to think of my family, I’d like to think of the reasons why I made these sacrifices in the first place,” Ramos said. “My advice for those who want to be a professional athlete: always believe in yourself. There’s going to be a lot of ups and downs along the way. Believe in yourself, believe in your abilities.”
The project is the third series under the program, following the success of Better Today Conversations in 2020 and Better Today Time Capsule Project 2021 with more than 186,000 record views collectively.
Better Today is a collaborative initiative and platform that concretizes PLDT and Smart’s commitment to promoting wellness, safe spaces, and changemaking in the digital world.
“We are proud to be driving inter-generational conversations on mental health awareness anchored on our advocacy on sports through the Power Move Project,” Alfredo Panlilio, PLDT and Smart President and CEO, said. “We Filipinos love sports so much that it has the power to bring us together as a nation. It gives us a deep sense of community, camaraderie, and pride.”
We want to share a message anchored on a deep sense of connection, and more importantly, a message of hope that you are not alone,” added Panlilio, also MVPSF president and first vice president of the Philippine Olympic Committee.
The Power Move Project also encourages Filipinos to join the #BetterTodayAffirmations Challenge on TikTok. Beginning October 25, TikTok users can do their part in spreading mental health awareness with their family, friends, and followers on the social media platform.
PLDT and Smart seek to uplift and improve the overall physical and mental wellness of Filipinos through initiatives that ensure food security, improve nutrition, and create awareness online. These initiatives emphasize the commitment of PLDT and Smart to the UN Sustainable Development Goals #3: Good Health and Well-Being.