They collaborate to inspire, salute frontliners court rivals to band of bros

MANILA, Philippines — A group of PBA stars led by LA Tenorio teamed up to deliver a feel-good collaborative rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Heal The World” as tribute to health frontliners and other individuals leading the fight against COVID-19.

Taking the cue from a similar inspirational campaign by actress Gal Gadot, 14 PBA stalwarts joined forces in singing the first verse all the way to the chorus of the meaningful 1992 hit, sharing it on social media yesterday.

Tenorio, Paul Lee, Marc Pingris, Scottie Thompson, Jimmy Alapag, Gabe Norwood, Jayson Castro, Japeth Aguilar, Mark Caguioa, JJ Helterbrand, James Yap, Beau Belga, Kiefer Ravena and June Mar Fajardo sang their hearts as they did their respective parts in the one-minute, 19-second video.

“Ako po kasama ng mga kaibigan ko sa PBA, gumawa po kami ng collaboration na sana makapagbigay ng pag-asa, makapagbigay sa inyo kahit paano ng kasiyahan dahil alam namin na pagod na pagod na po kayo, especially po sa mga frontliners natin,” Tenorio said.

The PBA stalwarts, who are currently on home quarantine while play is suspended, said they are one with the country in this battle with the pandemic.

“Alam ko po na napakahirap nang nararanasan natin ngayon na parang nakatigil ang mundo natin. Kapit lang po, matatapos din po itong pinagdadaanan natin ngayon. Ang mahalaga po ay sundin natin ang panawagan ng gobyerno na community quarantine para na rin ito sa kaligtasan ng lahat.

“At habang nasa bahay po tayo, sana magdasal din po tayo kay Lord, yun ang pinaka-importante sa ngayon. Magdasal tayo sabay-sabay para mabilis mawala itong COVID na nararanasan natin hindi lang sa Pilipinas, sa buong mundo,” said Tenorio.

The PBA family has been giving assist to Filipinos in these trying times in different ways.

Aguilar and his wife Cassy had initiated a fund-raising drive online to buy face masks for health workers.  

“Cassy and I are crowd-funding for more donations to purchase face masks for our health workers. We pledge to donate 2,000 pieces. Any amount would go a long way,” Aguilar posted on Instagram.

Gilas captain Kiefer, his father, TNT coach Bong Ravena, mother Mozzy, siblings Thirdy and Dani, and girlfriend Alyssa Valdez distributed packed meals to military checkpoints in Cainta, Rizal right before curfew was implemented last week.

Fajardo and several fellow PBA players have posted their own public service messages online, reminding everyone to follow precautionary measures like staying at home, frequent hand washing, and observing social distancing.