The mural — filled with playful shapes and hopeful imagery inspired by the book Extraordinary Manny, a children’s book based on the life of PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan — began as a digital artwork by Smart employee Johner Anchoriz.

“Where Dreams Take Root” — an artwork by Smart employee Johner Anchoriz brought to life by mural artist Eugene Matala

“This is an opportunity for employees like me to share our talents beyond our usual tasks,” Anchoriz said. “I was inspired to use my hobby to create something that could bring joy to the children. Seeing it brought to life through this collaboration is very fulfilling.”

Employee-volunteer Johner Anchoriz

With support from the PLDT‑Smart Foundation (PSF), Alagang Kapatid Foundation (AKFI), and One Meralco Foundation (OMF), and with paint donated by Rain or Shine, the design was translated into a full mural by artist Eugene Matala. It became the visual centerpiece of a broader renovation of the day care center.

A before and after photo of the mural on the side of the Day Care Center in Baseco

The improvements go beyond aesthetics. For years, the center had been vulnerable to flooding, with water damage affecting classrooms and learning materials. That changed when funds raised through the 2024 MVP Birthday Fundraising initiative—led by the PSF and PLDT and Smart employees—were channeled toward rehabilitating the facility. AKFI also turned over school materials for the children, while One Meralco provided solar lamps and a promise to help ensure that the facility is empowered with its own electric line.

Manila child development workers with PSF President Esther O. Santos, AKFI Executive Director Menchie Silvestre, Barangay Captain Diana Espinosa, and One Meralco Foundation President Jeffrey Tarayao

For PSF President Esther O. Santos, the project reflects how leadership can move people to act together for communities.

“This initiative shows how leadership can inspire employees to contribute their time, skills, and resources to create real impact and hopefully help motivate the next generation to study well and become extraordinary in the future,” Santos said.

Alagang Kapatid Foundation Executive Director Menchie Silvestre, PLDT-Smart Foundation President Esther O. Santos, and One Meralco Foundation Jeffrey Tarayao join the painting session in Baseco.

Today, the center has a raised floor, new flooring, and upgraded windows and doors — critical improvements that now provide a safer, more comfortable space for young learners.

Santos also recognized the efforts of employee volunteers like Anchoriz, who answered the call. “Beyond the connectivity that we provide as a service, our work becomes more meaningful when we also see that we are part of a company that supports efforts that touch and empower lives, especially of children.”

A volunteer from PLDT and Smart spends time away from the desk to paint a mural in Baseco.

The transformation did not go unnoticed by the community. Barangay Captain Diana Espinosa described the project as a meaningful example of how partnerships can positively impact children’s lives. “Ito po’y malaking tulong para makapag-aral ng mabuti at maginhawa ang ating mga Day Care students.”

She added, “Sa mga volunteers po natin, maraming salamat sa inyong pagtulong, pagbibigay ng oras, at pagyakap sa aming komunidad.”

Volunteers from PLDT, Smart, TV5, and Meralco show up to color the walls of a Day Care center in Baseco.

More than a renovation, the initiative stands as a testament to what happens when leadership inspires action — and when employees choose to show up with heart. In Baseco, those choices have helped create not just a safer place to learn, but a brighter beginning for children whose dreams are only just starting to take shape.