Prized pugs urged to dream on

Petecio, Paalam, Marcial get incentives from Romero

MANILA, Philippines — Go for gold.

House Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero yesterday egged on Filipino Olympic boxing medalists ­Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam and Eumir Marcial not to stop fighting yet and pursue their golden dreams in the 2024 Paris Games.

“Huwag kayong bibitaw, malaki ang tiwala namin na para makarating kayo dyan, kakayanin n’yo rin makaginto sa 2024 Paris Olympics. Ituloy nyo lang yan,” said Romero in an online event with Petecio, Paalam and Marcial.

Romero, who’s out of the country, presented virtually the incentives he promised to the three pugs for their Tokyo Olympic feats.

Petecio and Paalam each received P2 million for their Olympic silver medals while Eumir Marcial P1 million for his bronze.

“Nesthy, Carlo and Eumir brought immense pride and hope to the Filipino people amid these trying times due to the pandemic. They truly deserve these blessings,” said Romero.

AirAsia executive Erick Arejola and Edwin Galvez, a top official in other companies owned by Romero, were present to hand over the symbolic checks to Petecio, Paalam and Marcial.

“They proved once again na kaya talaga ng mga Pinoy na makipagsabayan sa buong mundo pagdating sa boxing like what Manny Pacquiao and our other great boxers did. Iba ang bagsik ng mga kamao ng Pinoy,” said Romero.

Romero personally gave weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz P3 million three weeks ago for delivering the very first gold for the country in the quadrennial games.

“Nagpapasalamat kami kay Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero sa support na binigay n’ya hindi lang sa amin, pati na rin sa Philippine sports,” said Petecio. “Hindi kami hihinto hanggang walang ginto.”

Petecio and Paalam punched their way to silver medals in the women’s featherweight and men’s flyweight divisions, respectively, while Marcial bagged the bronze in the men’s middleweight category.

Together with Diaz, the three pugilists produced the best showing for the country in almost a century of participation in the Olympics.

“We are extremely proud of these sports heroes. Their achievements will surely serve as an inspiration for the next generation of Filipino boxers,” said Romero.

The rewards to the three fighters couldn’t come at a better time as they’re set to return to their respective hometowns.

“Saktong-sakto ito for them to celebrate their victories with their families,” said the owner of the NorthPort Batang Pier team in the PBA.