PBBM spearheads grand heroes welcome for 19th Asian Games medalists
3 min read
In a grand ceremony at the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is set to honor the achievements of the nation’s medal winners from the 19th Asian Games. This elaborate event, titled “Gabi ng Parangal at Pasasalamat para sa Bayaning Atletang Pilipino,” will shine a spotlight on the stories and remarkable contributions of our national athletes and their coaches through video presentations and impressive production numbers.
During this ceremony, His Excellency will also take part in the presentation of the Presidential citation and other incentives to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of our athletes.
PSC Chairman Richard Bachmann expressed his gratitude, saying, “This celebration is a testament to the national government’s unwavering support for each of our national athletes. We thank the President for personally joining us here at the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum to honor our medalists, their coaches, and their families.”
Team Philippines made the nation proud by bringing home a total of four gold, two silvers, and 12 bronze medals during the two-week-long continental sports spectacle that took place from September 23 to October 8. EJ Obiena secured the gold in the pole vault, while also earning a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Meggie Ochoa and Annie Ramirez emerged as champions in jiu-jitsu, and Gilas Pilipinas ended a 62-year championship drought in men’s basketball in the Asiad.
In addition to these athletes, silver medalists Eumir Felix Marcial (boxing) and Arnel Mandal (wushu) will also be honored, alongside the bronze medalists Patrick King Perez (taekwondo), Jones Inso, Gideon Padua, and Clemente Tabugara Jr. (wushu), Alex Eala and Francis Alcantara (tennis), Patrick Coo (cycling), Elreen Ando (weightlifting), Kaila Napolis (jiu-jitsu), Sakura Alforte (karate), and the men’s sepak takraw team.
The event will be attended by key figures from Philippine basketball, including Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio, PBA chairman Ricky Vargas, PBA commissioner Willie Marcial, PBA vice chairman Bobby Rosales, and SMC sports director and Brgy. Ginebra governor Alfrancis Chua, who serves as the Gilas team manager. The event is also expected to have SBP chairman emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan, Chairman of Metro Pacific Investments Corp., and Ramon S. Ang, President and CEO of San Miguel Corporation.
Officials from the PSC and the Philippine Olympic Committee, led by President Abraham Tolentino, will be present to welcome the President’s entourage, the athletes, and their families.
The ceremony will conclude with the presentation of the Asian Games 2023 souvenir and the official Molten FIBA basketball to the President, symbolizing the nation’s gratitude and pride in the achievements of its heroes.
