Chris Tiu in new Milo commercial

MANILA, Philippines - Success in basketball has rubbed on Chris Tiu off the court. Aside from co-hosting GMA 7’s Pinoy Records with Manny Pacquiao, Chris also hosts Ripley’s Believe it or Not! and appears in a new MILO TV commercial with taekwondo champ Japoy Lizardo and gymnastics star Nica Calapatan.

“The thrust of MILO is something that I agree with, developing the youth and creating champions through sports and that’s just perfect for me because I’m an athlete, I believe sports is a metaphor of life and that it’s like a training ground for the real game called life,” Chris says.

The TVC talks about moving, inspiring, leading and guiding kids to draw out the champion within them so they can be their best.

Chris says his scenes were shot in three different locations and the most difficult part was having to shoot his scenes for a day and a half without using contact lenses because of an infected eye. “I could hardly see the faces of the kids and people around me were mostly shapes only,” says Chris. “The first location was in Pila, Laguna, a quiet town that depicts the influence of Spanish architecture. For my second day, we shot in the pier area in Manila and in Sta. Cruz. It was a fun experience, especially getting to interact with the kids. They were makulit and kept asking me questions. But having them around and looking at you as their idol, it inspires me to do good and preach them the right values,” says Chris.

In retrospect, Chris’ commercial is a reunion of sorts, especially since he practically grew up with MILO. “I joined the MILO BEST basketball clinic when I was seven. I joined the MILO tournaments, three years in SBP and two years in Paserelle while I was studying in Xavier. I got to travel around the Philippines at an early age to compete with the champions of the other provinces. It was an experience that molded me to become who I am today. Those were the days when you would play bigger and stronger kids but that gave me the courage to keep competing and become a better player. I learned the value of discipline and managing my time wisely as well,” he adds.