Milo keeps sports flame burning in shaping up champions for life

CEBU, Philippines —  For nearly six decades, Milo Philippines plays an active role in nation-building by producing champions in sports, and in life.

Since its inception in 1964, it has laid down an array of highly-successful programs such as summer clinics, marathons and Olympic-style events among others that served as a launching pad for young aspiring athletes toward fulfilling their dreams in life.

Everything, however, drastically changed when sporting activities came to a grinding halt because of the unprecedented health crisis that rocked the entire human race.

Tough and challenging times as it may seem, it did not dampen the spirits of the men and women behind Milo from soldiering on their mission of helping athletes become the best version of themselves not only in skills but also in terms of character.

At the height of the pandemic last year, Milo introduced its Home Court program in an effort to empower the parents to continue their children’s pursuit of athletic excellence even at the comfort of their homes. The landmark online sports initiative offers a variety of expertly-developed interactive and physical activities, making sports and exercise accessible for parents who are looking for alternative ways to engage their kids in active play and stay healthy while staying indoors.

 Early this year, Milo came up with another breakthrough move by establishing the Champion Habit P.E. at Home in partnership with the Department of Education. Its a nationwide online movement that guides and motivates children to build better habits and stay holistically healthy through a 6-minute instructional video, which parents can access for free on YouTube.

Milo’s twin projects were a blockbuster hit. Its online interactive classes drew 40,000-plus enrollees while its Home Court initiative drew an overwhelming 50 million views.

Notwithstanding the success they attained, Nestle Phl-Milo Assistant Vice President Lester P. Castillo said their commitment to nourish the kids’ journey to success never stops.

It is for such reason that Milo launched its most latest campaign anchored on the meaningful slogan, “Mula Noon Hanggang Ngayon, Tuloy Ang Pagiging Champion!”

“We launched this new campaign because this is very relevant given the ongoing pandemic,” said Castillo in a virtual press conference via Zoom yesterday. “It’s more of an inspirational message to help encourage Filipinos find a way to stay active at home.”

The event was also graced by coach Ral Rosario, a two-time Olympian in swimming, and Sacho Ilustre, once an outstanding swimmer in the Milo Little Olympics who won medal at the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

In their recent endeavor, Castillo explained that they yearn to relive the golden days of Filipino sports greats in the hope of inspiring their younger generation of athletes to follow in their footsteps and make our country proud someday.

Aside from Rosario and Ilustre, Castillo mentioned the likes of three-time Olympic swimmer Akiko Thomson, legendary gymnast Bea Lucero, taekwondo champ Japoy Lizardo, volleyball icon Alyssa Valdez, and basketball star Chris Tio among their brightest products that mirror their goals.

“They are an embodiment of athletes who stood the test of time. They’re being idolized. The younger generation of athletes look up to them as role models and inspiration as they try to achieve their ambitions,” Castillo said.  “Let us help one another to help the younger ones to be the best that they can be. Let us keep the champion spirit alive.”