After five long years, Lion With A Heart made its heartfelt return to Sitio Pinagbayanan in Paluan, Occidental Mindoro last April 19–20, 2025.
Though the pandemic disrupted our on-ground missions starting in 2020, the spirit of giving never stopped. This year, LionhearTV proudly brought back its annual outreach initiative to personally connect with the communities we’ve long supported.
For seven years, LionhearTV has committed to giving back. And on our eighth year, nothing could stop us. This year’s mission, “eMVP Digital’s Lion With A Heart: Year 8,” marked a meaningful return to Sitio Pinagbayanan—our last visit being in 2019.
Reaching this remote sitio took a five-hour boat ride from Paluan town, a journey made possible thanks to the generous assistance of Mayor Michael Diaz, who supported our team all the way from Manila to the sitio.
Together with our generous partners—MLion Corporation and Honor Philippines—we brought joy and essential supplies to 500 Mangyan families. ABS-CBN PR, Beautéderm and the team of Bam Aquino also shared support to this yearly outreach.
We also received support from many kind-hearted organizations including: Greenbulb, EON, DMCI Homes, media.Xchange, Blackstar, GMA Network, PRecious Communications, NYOU Consultancy, Ripple8, APH, David & Golyat, Evident Communications, MSL Group, M2.0 Communications Inc., Dominguez Marketing, UniqueCorn Strategies, TeamAsia, TikTok PH, Maya, Fuentes Manila, SM Investments, Flow Galindez, Bridges PR, Joanne Javier, Irene Fernando, Disney PH, foodpanda, Star Magic and many others.
Each family received thoughtfully packed essentials, including: 4 cans of Mega Sardines, 1kg pancit bihon, 2 packs Lucky Me Beef and 2 Chicken noodles, 3 large bars of soap, 1 bar of laundry soap, 1 dozen-pack of shampoo, 1 BoostVit Syrup (120ml) or 1 pack of EQ diapers for households with babies.
We also had a veterinarian on board who provided care and medicines for their animals—dogs, cats, and chickens included.
For the youth, we hosted games inspired by trending social media challenges, giving away chocolate treats, candies, additional noodles, and sardines as prizes. But the real crowd favorite? Disney merchandise—caps, pencil cases, tumblers, and bags, all of which brought wide smiles to young faces.
We also educated families about the importance of Vitamin C. Thanks to PascualLab’s BoostaVit, we reminded parents of the benefits: improved immunity, better iron absorption, reduced risk of chronic diseases, and protection from common illnesses—especially crucial in communities with limited access to healthcare.
Honor Philippines provided their latest Honor Magic 7 Pro to document the mission. Some of the photos captured will be printed and sent back to the community as a keepsake—another small way of showing that they’re remembered.
Though what we gave may not be much, the joy and gratitude on their faces reminded us why this mission matters. To serve with love is a privilege. As Mother Teresa once said, “Give your hands to serve and your hearts to love.”
Our journey doesn’t end here. The Mangyan communities of Pinagbayanan have one more heartfelt request: solar power packs. Electricity remains unavailable on the island, and no family owns a generator. These solar packs would significantly improve their daily lives—helping them power essential tools and devices.
We are continuing to raise funds and call on kind-hearted donors and partners to help fulfill this request.
This mission was made possible through the hard work of volunteers from Manila, led by Mc Richard Viaña Paglicawan, founder of LionhearTV. Joining him were: Bryan Escote Miraflor, Clarice Joy Catalan, Florencio Jusay Jr., Jay Campos Cabulit, Jowell Juanillo, Lariza Garcia, Levy Francisco, Regie Nopuente, Russell Barrientos, and Arvin Santos.
On the ground in Pinagbayanan, we thank Rio Pamanilay for hosting and assisting the team. We’re also grateful to Dr. Rogelio Viaña and Mercedes Paglicawan for opening their homes to our volunteers.
Because we will never stop giving back.
Because we are Lions—with a Heart.
