The Philippines’ first ever Olympic Gold Medalist and “Atletang Magiting,” Hidilyn Diaz, has just received the promised top of the line Kia Stonic 1.4 EX from Ayala Foundation. The new car is a gift of gratitude for her historic feat at the Tokyo Olympics.
"Thank you sa pag-recognize sa pagka-panalo ko. Thank you so much na na-appreciate ninyo yung nagawa ko para sa bansa, (Thank your for recognizing my victory. Thank you for appreciating what I did for the country)", Hidilyn said. She shared that the new will help her move around especially in Metro Manila.
Despite the many odds she faced, Hidilyn remained steadfast in her quest for Olympic gold. At the early age of 17, she already aspired to bring home the gold. “Someday, dadalhin ko yung flag ng Pilipinas as weighlifter gold medalist sa Olympics,” she told Chino Trinidad for 24 Oras’ Time Out back in 2008. And she did just that after 13 years.
“Maraming salamat sa lahat ng iyong hirap, pagtyatyaga, sakripisyo at mataimtim na pananampalataya, tunay kang isang Atletang Magiting. Kinayang Abutin ang ating gintong pangarap. Tanggapin mo ang munting alay namin, sasakyan ng Kampeon. (Thank you for all your hard work, perseverance and sacrifice. You are a true valiant athlete. You’ve achieved your golden dream. We bring you a small offering, the car of a champion.), ” said Ayala Foundation President, Ruel Maranan.
Recognizing Diaz as an “Atletang Magiting” is part of Ayala Foundation’s sustained effort to promote love of country. Through the Maging Magiting campaign, Ayala Foundation calls on Filipinos to take pride in our heritage and identity, by giving honor to our national emblems such as the flag, while also embodying the call for all of us to be heroes in our own ways. It has a recognition component, like the Pulis Magiting X Pilipinong Magiting initiative, which was recently relaunched in six regions to celebrate men and women in uniform who have shown extraordinary acts of heroism beyond the call of duty.
“Atletang Magiting” is part of the Ayala group’s efforts toward collaboration and synergy across companies and units and an expression of its continuing commitment to national development.
Kia Philippines is under AC Motors, Ayala Corporation’s automotive arm, which also houses Volkswagen, Maxus, Honda, and Isuzu.