The Philippines’ first-ever Olympic Gold Medalist and “Atletang Magiting” Hidilyn Diaz finally gets hold of a gift in gratitude for her historic feat at the Tokyo Olympics – a top of the line Kia Stonic!
“Thank you sa pag-recognize sa pagka-panalo ko. Thank you so much na na-appreciate ninyo yung nagawa ko para sa bansa”, Hidilyn said, sharing that a vehicle will be helpful for her to move around especially in Metro Manila.
Olympic weightlifting champion Hidilyn Diaz pretends to lift her brand new Kia Stonic. The 5-seater SUV is a token of recognition as Diaz was named Ayala Foundation’s first-ever “Atletang Magiting”.
Diaz is all smiles as she takes her new car for a ride. Sitting in the passenger seat is Julius Naranjo, her strength and conditioning coach and boyfriend.
Despite the many odds she faced, Hidilyn remained steadfast to her goal for Olympic gold which she boldly declared as a 17-year old athlete in 2008 in an interview with Chino Trinidad for 24 Oras’ Time Out: “Someday, dadalhin ko yung flag ng Pilipinas as weighlifter gold medalist sa Olympics.”
And she did just that after 13 years.
Journalist Chino Trinidad joins Diaz for a video call with officials from Ayala Foundation and Kia Philippines.
Said Ayala Foundation President Ruel Maranan: “Maraming salamat sa lahat ng iyong hirap, pagtyatyaga, sakripisyo at mataimtim na pananampalataya, tunay kang isang Atletang Magiting. KI-nayang A-butin ang ating gintong pangarap. Tanggapin mo ang munting alay namin, sasakyan ng Kampeon.”
Diaz shows off her Olympic gold medal in a virtual turnover ceremony with Kia Philippines President Manny Aligada (bottom left) and Ayala Foundation President Ruel Maranan (bottom right).
Recognizing Diaz as “Atletang Magiting” is part of Ayala Foundation’s sustained efforts 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.
Recognizing Diaz as “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.
About Ayala Foundation
As the social development arm of the Ayala group of companies, Ayala Foundation envisions communities where people are creative, productive, self-reliant, and proud to be Filipino. Ayala Foundation is committed to community development, working closely with communities in identifying compelling developmental needs and providing suitable solutions with measurable outcomes. It implements programs under the following themes: Education, Sustainable Livelihood, and Love of Country.
In 2021, Ayala Foundation celebrates its 60th year, affirming its Faith in the Filipino through partnerships and programs for community development