Beyond the Court: UPMBT players show their “Top Love & Care” in TopBreed’s latest community initiative

The UP Men’s Basketball Team, alongside the UP Emotional Support Animals and the Universal Robina Corporation TopBreed team, cap off its Top Love & Care activity with a fun group  photo

The University of the Philippines Men's Basketball Team (UPMBT) demonstrated that their strength extends far beyond the court as they participated in TopBreed's Top Love & Care Day, a touching community project focused on bonding with UP Emotional Support Animals (UP ESAs).

In a heartfelt demonstration of warmth and compassion, the crew spent the day learning about pet welfare, soothing rescue animals, and sharing moments of pure joy with the pets that provide psychosocial support to students and staff around campus. The event, hosted by Universal Robina Corporation's (URC) pet care brand TopBreed, demonstrated how true compassion can strengthen a community and athletes can inspire it.

UPMBT members joyfully play around with UP ESA’s dogs at the Sunken Garden.

The UP ESAs, founded in 2019 and supported by volunteer groups such as Friends of Campus Animals–UP (FOCA UP), play a vital role in alleviating stress, anxiety, and emotional fatigue among students and faculty. Through training, medical care, and frequent engagement activities, these animals bring comfort to the campus community, making the players’ visit all the more meaningful.

UPMBT Shares Love, Care, and Connection

The UP MBT members enjoyed carrying the ESA pets around.

For UP ESA member Christian Arranz, the day was a reminder of how much joy the ESAs bring to the university.

“Our ESAs have helped spread top love and care in our university with their cuteness and unconditional love for every single person here — students, faculty members, and staffers —  by just being there and being available for petting every single time.” ~Christian Arranz, UP ESA Member

Meanwhile, guard and team captain Gerry Abadiano stressed how much the team benefits from such moments, particularly in the midst of hectic training schedules. It was a well-deserved vacation from training, as well as an opportunity to give back to the dogs who have helped their community cope with stress and worry. For UPMBT’s LA Andres, who is a fur parent himself, the event felt especially personal.

“Kahit mainit and umulan, nakakawala sila ng pagod at nawawala yung mga stress namin. Para sa akin, deserve nila ng mas marami pang time tulad nito, for us to bond and play with them. They definitely deserve the top nutrition we can give.” ~LA Andres, UPMBT Member

TopBreed Reaffirms Its Promise of “Top Love & Care”

TopBreed continues to promote pet health and well-being through nutrition, wellness, and advocacy projects such as this one. By bringing the UPMBT closer to the ESAs, the brand demonstrates its dedication to raising pet care standards while also cultivating a community based on empathy, care, and connection.

The day's activities reflected TopBreed's brand promise to provide every pet with the “Top Love & Care” they deserve, including correct nourishment and meaningful human interaction.

A Community Strengthened by Care

Throughout the event, the smiles of student volunteers, ESA caregivers, and athletes reflected what the UP community has long understood: that love, compassion, and care, whether on four or two legs, can have a long-term good influence.

TopBreed's collaboration with the UP ESAs continues to pave the way for additional programs that promote responsible pet care, emotional support awareness, and community well-being. 

TopBreed encourages more Filipinos to join its quest to provide every pet with the love and care they deserve.

Watch the TopBreed and UPMBT video HERE, and stay tuned for future efforts to learn how you, too, can contribute to a healthier, happier environment for pets and the people who love them.

Universal Robina Corporation (URC) produces iconic brands such as Jack ‘n Jill Piattos, Cloud 9, Maxx candy, Cream-O, Payless, C2 Cool and Clean, and Great Taste coffee, which have been part of Filipinos’ lives for decades. TopBreed, URC’s pet care brand under its Agro-Industrial Group, offers high quality and top-value products including TopBreed dog and cat meals, Top Care Cat Litter, ShamPooch dog shampoo, and TopB+ pet vitamins. To learn more about URC, visit its Website, Facebook Page and TikTok Account.