THE entire country continues to live in such formidable times as we navigate the uncharted course of the Covid-19 pandemic. And no other sector of society has been carrying the brunt of this burden more than the health-care system, led by the tireless medical frontliners who put their lives on the line daily for the sake of Filipinos.
As everyone looks forward to recovery and better times, there are still many things that we need to work on and many whom we need to extend help to.
The TOYM has a long-standing reputation as an institution that honors outstanding young men and women whose selfless dedication to their profession or vocation has resulted in significant contributions to their countrymen’s welfare. With the current need for assistance, TOYM is leading an initiative to raise funds to benefit the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) in recognition of its laudable efforts of providing quality health care for Filipinos from all socio-economic classes.
“Heroes Unmasked” is the campaign that benefits the Panatag na Kanlungan Project of PGH, which provides necessary assistance for medical frontliners and volunteers. The endeavor is highlighted by an original song composition and music video created through the collaborative efforts of musical artists Ryan Cayabyab, Lea Salonga and Gary Valenciano.
Historic for being the first song ever that Lea and Gary have worked together on, “Heroes” is inspired by and dedicated to the medical frontliners who put their lives on the line daily to heal, care for, and alleviate the sufferings of fellow Filipinos. The touching and poignant piece is also meant to galvanize the nation to encourage and show their solidarity with these modern-day heroes.
“TOYM is honored and grateful to have three of the biggest names in music collaborate to offer their talents, time and voices to drive awareness and support for the Heroes Unmasked campaign,” says Donnie V. Tantoco, chairman of TOYM. “We’re also very proud that ‘Heroes’ is actually the first song ever that Lea and Gary have worked on together. As an institution that recognizes young individuals who have positively impacted larger society, we think it is time to take bolder action, and we hope that our call can be answered by the entire nation for the benefit of our medical frontliners.”
This coming holiday season, the campaign presents many ways to support the cause. Both corporate and personal donations are welcome, the details of which be found at www.toymheroescampaign.org.
Everyone can view and share the “Heroes” music video on YouTube, just key in “Heroes Unmasked” in the search bar.
For those who would like to show their support in a more creative manner, TOYM has also launched the Heroes Unmasked Song Challenge. Open to anyone 15 years old and above, participants can create a video and dedicate it to a frontliner they consider their hero.
Video entries may be a song cover, dance, slideshow, or any animated format, played to the “Heroes” song, and uploaded on their preferred platform (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube) with the hashtags #HeroesUnmasked #TOYM #PGH. Cash prizes are at stake for standout videos including a grand prize of P20,000, and P15,000, P10,000, and P5,000 for first, second and third runners-up, respectively. The challenge runs until December 31. More information can be found at www.toymheroescampaign.org.