HOUSE Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero (1-Pacman Partylist) on Saturday delivered his promise to the Tokyo Olympics boxing medalists even though he is out of the country.
Romero virtually led a simple handover ceremony of the replicas of the checks for Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Nesthy Petecio abd Carlo Paalam and bronze medalist Eumir Felix Marcial at the AirAsia headquarters inside the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.
In a ceremony aptly dubbed “Bagsik Ng Kamao,” Romero fulfilled his pledge of P2 million each for Petecio and Paalam and P1 million for Marcial.
“Nesthy, Carlo and Eumir brought immense pride and hope to the Filipino people amid these trying times due to the pandemic,” Romero said. “They truly deserve these blessings.”
“But please, your Olympic journey should not stop in the Tokyo Games, the gold medal is within your reach,” he added.
Edwin Galvez, CEO of one of Romero’s companies, and AirAsia executive Erick Arejola handed the checks to the boxers.
Romero also stressed the significance of their victories to Philippine boxing.
“They proved once again that yes, the Filipino can in boxing, like what Manny Pacquiao and our other great boxers did,” he said. “Iba ang bagsik ng mga kamao ng Pinoy!”
Two weeks ago, Romero personally handed the P3 million check to Hidilyn Diaz, the country’s first Olympic gold medal winner.
Romero also promised that Marcial will have a lifetime free electricity since he operates the electric cooperative in Zamboanga City.
To his delight, Marcial stood and unleashed some combinations before thanking the former amateur basketball godfather.
Romero also appealed to Paalam not to turn professional yet.
“You’re still young and there’s Paris [2024 Olympics],” he told the 23-year-old boxer.
“We are extremely proud of these sports heroes. Their achievements will surely serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Filipino boxers,” the NorthPort owner added.
The handover ceremony was a perfect send off for the boxers, who were headed to their respective hometowns on Saturday—Paalam to Cagayan de Oro, Marcial to Zamboanga City and Petecio to Davao del Sur.
Petecio, Paalam and Marcial expressed their warmest gratitude to Romero and said that his burning passion to help Philippine sports reach greater heights will definitely encourage the athletes to press on despite the many challenges.
Image courtesy of Moking