If more would show this much enthusiasm for athletes before a competition, we wonder what heights we can reach.
RELATED READ: Historic Day: By Winning The Nation’s First Ever Olympic Gold Medal, Hidilyn Diaz Lifts Us All With Her
Hidilyn Diaz won the Philippines its first-ever Olympic gold medal. She brings pride to an entire nation with the historic win, but that’s not only thanks to her physical athletic abilities. It’s also due to Diaz’s mental grit and taking control of what she needed to in order to win.
In 2019, Diaz called for financial support through social media. In the Instagram post, she wrote, “Is it okay to ask sponsorship sa mga private companies towards Tokyo 2020? Said Diaz, who also won silver in the 2016 Rio Olympics. “Hirap na hirap na ako,” she continued. “I need financial support.”
Despite the financial difficulties, Diaz remained focused and continued to train for a weightlifting gold medal. And needless to say, her tenacity paid off.
Now, the 30-year-old is set to receive cash prizes worth millions, unlimited flights, a lifetime of free food from restaurants, a 13-seater van, and even real estate properties from private companies. It’s a complete flip from two years ago when Diaz needed financial assistance, and it’s the awards the athlete deserves for competing for a country with a government that can do more for its national athletes.
Cash prizes
P10 million is entitled Diaz under the Philippine law for winning the nation an Olympic gold medal. And from business tycoons Ramon Ang and Manny Pangilinan, she’s guaranteed P20 million. Rep. Mikee Romero, who’s also a polo athlete, is also set to reward Diaz another P3 million.
Unlimited flights
When Diaz wishes to travel either for work or a well-deserved break, she can utilize her free flight from AirAsia or Philippine Airlines. She’s granted unlimited free plane rides and 80,000 miles of flight from AirAsia and PAL, respectively.
Real estate properties
From Megaworld, Diaz will own a P14 million condominium unit in Eastwood City in Quezon City. “This epic moment is about 97 years in the making, and this is our way of saying thanks to Hidilyn for making us all proud,” says Kevin L. Tan, chief strategy officer, Megaworld Corporation, in a statement.
With the same admiration, PHirst Park Homes’ president Ricky Celis says, “Hidilyn’s story is every Filipino’s story of struggle and perseverance amidst adversities. She even improvised her own weightlifting equipment out of bamboo sticks and water bottles in order to train with her limited resources.”
With that, Century Properties, PHirst Park Homes’ parent company, also gives Diaz a new home through a house and lot in Makati.
Business franchise
Instead of cash, House of Lasagna is giving Diaz a business venture to help build a steady income. In a Facebook post by the Italian-inspired brand, it says that they hope the franchise will be a big help for Diaz and her family. House of Lasagna was established by chef Erick Congmon, whose family from Cebu has been in the food industry for four generations.
Free food
The food and beverage industry is not missing out on celebrating Diaz and her historical accomplishments. Restaurants all over the country are offering the Zamboanga native free food for life with every visit.
In her hometown, food spot Kitchen Joe’s posts on its Facebook page, “Eat to your heart’s desire, Ms. Hidilyn. You deserve it!”
For breakfast, Diaz can visit the popular breakfast chain Kanto Freestyle for Filipino meals. While in San Juan City, Diaz can get her burger fix at Burger Garage as they’re offering free burgers for the rest of her life.
At night, if the athlete wants to unwind at a pub, Tipsy Pig Gastro Pub provides Diaz with the same lifetime privilege of free food. In an Instagram post, the restaurant says toward Diaz, “Weight no more. We’re lifting all the prices for you!”
Fuel and wheels
In addition to a lifetime supply of free fuel, Phoenix Petroleum is giving Diaz P5 million in cash. Dennis Uy, Phoenix Petroleum’s owner, says that it was their vision to rally the private sector to “help our athletes in their quest for the Olympic gold, and now we have our first gold medal.”
In addition to a lifetime supply of free fuel, Phoenix Petroleum is giving Diaz P5 million in cash. Dennis Uy, Phoenix Petroleum’s owner, says that it was their vision to rally the private sector to “help our athletes in their quest for the Olympic gold, and now we have our first gold medal.
We can assume Diaz will use her free gas pumps to fuel her 13-seater van from FOTON Motor Philippines. The spacious vehicle is another reward to her name from the Chinese motor company.
Beauty haul
International beauty and cosmetics company L’Oreal Group is giving our national athletes a grant worth P2 million pesos for support.
Diaz, along with the other nine female Olympic representatives, can also select P600,000 worth of beauty products from brands under the Group such as L’Oréal Paris, Maybelline, Kiehl’s, Garnier, Kérastase, and L’Oréal Professionnel.
Banner photo from @back_bencherz_25 on Instagram.
