The University of the Philippines Men’s Basketball Team (UPMBT) proved that their strength extends far beyond the hardwood as they joined TopBreed’s Top Love & Care Day, a heartwarming community initiative dedicated to bonding with the UP Emotional Support Animals (UP ESAs).

In a touching display of warmth and compassion, the team spent the day learning about pet welfare, comforting rescue animals, and sharing moments of pure joy with the pets who provide psychosocial support to students and staff across campus. Led by Universal Robina Corporation’s (URC) pet care brand, TopBreed, the event highlighted how genuine care can empower a community, and how athletes can inspire it.

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

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.” 

Meanwhile, guard and team captain Gerry Abadiano emphasized how much the team benefits from moments like these, especially in the middle of demanding training schedules. It was a well-deserved break from training and a chance to give back to the dogs that have been instrumental in alleviating the stress and anxiety of their community.  

“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.”

For UPMBT’s LA Andres, who is a fur parent himself, the event felt especially personal.

“Ang sarap nilang kasama dahil nakakalimutan ko yung pagod ko pag nakakalaro ko sila. Being a pet parent myself, I enjoy spending time with the Emotional Support Animals because it reminds me of the time I spend with my dogs back home. Deserve nila ng unlimited love and affection.”

TopBreed Reaffirms Its Promise of “Top Love & Care”

TopBreed continues to champion pet health and well-being through nutrition, wellness and advocacy-driven initiatives like this one. By bringing the UPMBT closer to the ESAs, the brand underscores its commitment to elevating pet care standards while nurturing a community built on empathy, care and connection.

The day’s activities mirrored TopBreed’s brand promise to give every pet the “Top Love & Care” they deserve, from proper nutrition to meaningful human interaction.

A Community Strengthened by Care

Throughout the event, the smiles of student volunteers, ESA caretakers, and the athletes reflected what the UP community has long known: that love, compassion, and care, whether on four legs or two, can make a lasting positive impact.

TopBreed’s partnership with the UP ESAs continues to pave the way for more programs that advocate for responsible pet care, emotional support awareness, and community well-being. 

TopBreed invites more Filipinos to join its mission of giving every pet the Top Love & Care they deserve.

Watch the TopBreed and UPMBT’s video here and stay tuned for more initiatives to discover how you, too, can help create a healthier, happier community for pets and the people who love them.