Chris on Sunday mornings

MANILA, Philippines - It was a Chris Tiu clad in a printed collared shirt and khakis who recently met the students of the Nueve de Febrero Elementary School. Like most Filipinos, his Sunday began with the Holy Mass, for which he sat on the front pew.

This time, however, he was with his “other” family: The volunteers of his newly-established Charis Foundation, and the top execs and staff of partner Pharex Health Corp., for a community outreach. After the Mass, he talked about Charis (KAR-is), a foundation that focuses on youth development, integral service, scholarships and grants and media and research.

Then, he led a basketball clinic for 10- to 12-year-old pupils.

“To be good at my game, it really takes effort — I practice shooting before the team rehearsals, and after everybody has left. Attitude is very important in sports. You can be talented, pero kung wala kang sipag, tiyaga at disiplina, hindi ka gagaling,” Chris shared.

Meanwhile, at the school lobby, doctors were attending to residents in a medical mission, providing them with free medicines courtesy of Pharex. The event was also graced by Charis Foundation executive director Oliver Tuazon, Pharex president and CEO Tomas Marcelo Agana III and VP for sales and marketing Timmie Guillermo.