I’d been a sportswriter since 1992 and until this very moment. I’ve seen big losses, downfalls, failures, and rousing moments of triumphs and victories too.
I was also at the ringside on the night covering for Manila Standard as this obscure southpaw from down south scored a stirring win inside the Pasay Sports Center (Beside the Cuneta Astrodome) that paved the way for him to be where he is now, Sen. Manny Pacquiao.
But all through it all, never did I shed a tear (of joy) from a victory until Hidilyn Diaz’s Olympic gold medal victory, a first in almost a century of Philippine sports history since we joined the Olympics in 1924.
And it’s good to note, the Province of Batangas through Gov. Hermilando Mandanas relayed felicitations to hail the country’s newest heroine.
Many say PRRD’s sixth and last SONA was forgettable but the date, Monday, 26th of July 2021, should and must be unforgettable for the rest of our lives, as Filipinos shall continue to reminisce it was the day Hidilyn nailed that super elusive Olympic gold for PH, finally.
I just can’t get enough.
Am yet experiencing goosebumps as I write this piece in an effort to immortalize an epic achievement of one mortal, dedicated soul who never gave up amid the challenges that befell her way on the road to PH’s very first Olympic gold.
While felicitations, congratulatory messages poured so did assorted pledges of house and lot, condo unit and car from Ayala Foundation, and millions of cash rewards, which at the latest count already past the P50M mark.
For this deadline beater, I say that all these are all well-deserved, fit for someone who brought honor and united Filipinos to feel proud amid the sweeping health crisis and all the challenges everyone is facing nowadays.
Without getting into the details of her historic victory, this DBtr praised Hidilyn even more for her downheartedness and her faith in God and Mama Mary.
She credited her win to all those who prayed for her.
Right before she received her gold medal on the podium, she tightly clutched her other prized possession, a Miraculous Medal necklace — a gift from a friend who offered her nine days of prayer for her Olympic bid.
Congrats Hidilyn!