Manny Pacquiao and Hidilyn Diaz Share Secrets to Cultivating a Winning Mindset

Being a champion is not merely defined by winning competitions; it is an embodiment of resilience, unwavering determination, and hard work. Manny Pacquiao and Hidilyn Diaz stand as the epitomes of true champions in the Philippines, showcasing the indomitable Filipino spirit despite many challenges in their lives and careers.

Diaz and Pacquiao together with Ibuprofen Paracetamol (Alaxan FR), a pain medicine trusted by Filipinos for decades, is encouraging countless individuals to continue being a champion without compromising overall well-being. Here are tips from the actual experience of these historic sports icons on how to attain a winning mindset:

Being a champion takes discipline

Attaining any goal requires relentless focus, entailing a mindset that stays committed even when faced with hurdles. At the young age of 11, Diaz already displayed potential to become a strong weightlifter. Despite encountering setbacks and failures throughout her weightlifting journey, she remained undeterred. Through years of training and more than a decade of competing, a once-dreamer is now one of the giants of Philippine sports, bagging the Philippines' first-ever Olympic gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. 

"Okay mangarap, but you really have to work hard at kailangan may disiplina. Minsan natatalo ka, minsan nananalo ka." Diaz expressed the reality that being a champion takes time and does not come in an instant. "As long as hindi ka nag-gi-give up, kayang kaya mo ‘yan, laban lang," she added.

[It’s okay to dream, but you really have to work hard and be disciplined. Sometimes you lose, sometimes you win. As long as you don’t give up, you can definitely do it. Just keep fighting.]

No pain, no gain

As cliché as it may sound, no pain without gain is truly a part of every journey toward greatness. But the game changer is knowing how to bounce back from pain quickly.  In Pacquiao’s case as a boxer, pain is a constant from training to the actual fight and even after every game. The force and power of punches to different parts of the body can hurt, which is why Pacquiao emphasizes the importance of having a trusted companion to get through the pain. 

"Minsan hindi ako makalakad, hindi ako makatayo. Pati daliri ko masakit pero ‘yun yung sinisigurado ko mula noon hanggang ngayon, kasama ko ang Alaxan sa tagumpay—during, after training, and every fight," Pacquiao testified. "Pagkatapos ng fight, masakit katawan ko, pag-inom ko ng Alaxan, pag-tulog at pag-gising ko sa umaga, wala na.”

[There are times when I can’t walk, I can’t stand up. Even my fingers hurt but one thing I’ve always made sure of from then until now is that Alaxan is with me—during, after training, and every fight. After the fight, my body aches, but when I take Alaxan, by the time I sleep and wake up in the morning, the pain is gone.]

Take care of your health

Apart from strengthening and conditioning, overall well-being is important to function properly and become prepared for any competition. With this, Diaz and Pacquiao highlight the importance of being disciplined and cautious in terms of lifestyle habits, including diet regimens and taking medications as necessary.  

“Pagdating sa diet, more on fish, chicken at gulay. Mula nung bata ako maingat ako masyado sa mga pagkain,” Pacquiao shared. “Pag lumalaban ako lagi ako may dalang Alaxan, more than 20 years ko ginagamit at wala namang adverse effects sa akin.” 

[When it comes to diet, I prefer fish, chicken, and vegetables. Ever since I was a child, I have been very careful with the food I eat. I always bring Alaxan with me whenever I fight. I’ve been using it for more than 20 years, and I haven’t experienced any adverse effects.]

Alaxan is a synergistic combination of Ibuprofen+Paracetamol that was found to have the highest success rate among OTC pain medicines tested, according to a 2015 scientific review by Cochrane, a world-renowned independent research institution.  Scientific reviews also show that Ibuprofen+Paracetamol is not likely to cause serious harmful effects on our body when used at the recommended dose.

Have a support group

According to Diaz, it takes a team to win and succeed. Athletes such as herself and Pacquiao benefit from the professional support provided by their group of coaches and nutritionists. Similarly for ordinary workers, a support system comprising a superior and colleagues is crucial, especially in the early stages of their career. Surrounding oneself with reliable individuals is instrumental not only in acquiring essential skills but also in fostering the right mindset and attitude required to excel in one's life.

Stay humble

Being a world champion comes with fame, recognition, and wealth. Achieving extraordinary accomplishments may give a sense of fulfillment and cloud judgment, but this is never the case for Pacquiao. He reiterates how humility is a virtue that allows him to remain grounded and always remember to look back at where he came from. He shared that helping and giving back to the community is how you really leave a mark in this world.

For more information about Ibuprofen+Paracetamol (ALAXAN), visit their Facebook Page at @AlaxanFastRelief or visit their website: more about Alaxan. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor. 

 

Hidilyn Diaz: Pano naka-survive sa mga pagsubok sa buhay?

CERTIFIED overseas Filipino ngang matatawag si Hidilyn Diaz dahil maraming beses na siyang umalis ng Pilipinas para mag-train ng weightlifting at lumaban ng competition sa iba’t ibang bansa.

 

Naka-byahe na siya sa Amerika, London, Brazil, Thailand, Japan, South Korea at Indonesia -- mga bansa kung saan maraming OFs ang nagta-trabaho at nakikipagsapalaran para sa mga pamilyang naiwan sa Pilipinas. 

 

Bago siya sumabak sa 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, lagpas isang taon ang inilagi ni Hidilyn sa Malaysia para mag-training. Doon na rin sya inabutan ng lockdown dahil sa COVID-19 pandemic, isang pangyayaring sumubok sa kanyang katatagan. 

 

“Tuwing naaalala ko yung challenges na pinagdaanan ko at ng aking team sa Malaysia, talagang naiiyak ako eh. Napakahirap magpalipat-lipat ng lugar doon para lang hindi matigil ang aking training. Ang taas ng anxiety kase iniisip namin saan kami titira, saan kami pupunta, at saan ako mag-te-training?” pagbabalik-tanaw ni Hidilyn. 

 

May mga oras din na umiiyak na lamang siya at tinatanong ang sarili ng: “Ano ba itong hinaharap ko ngayon? Di ko na yata alam kung paano solusyunan.” Pero sa kabila nito, kinumbinse ni Hidilyn ang sarili na kayang-kaya niyang lagpasan ang mga pagsubok at magiging okay din ang lahat.

Paano nga ba siya naka-survive? 

 

“Iba kapag may nakakausap ka. May kasangga ako hindi lang yung coaching team ko kundi pati na rin friends ko. Napakalaking tulong nila. At syempre, hindi mawawala ang inspirasyon na galing sa aking pamilya at ang prayers ko kay God,” diin ng Olympic gold medalist. 

 

Aware si Hidilyn na ang kwento niya ay hindi naiiba sa kwento ng mga OFs. Mas matindi pa nga raw ang nararanasan ng mga kabayan abroad lalo na noong nagsimula ang pandemya. May ibang natigil sa trabaho pero hindi pa rin umuuwi sa Pilipinas dahil iniisip ang kalagayan ng pamilya at may iba namang nagdodoble-kayod para madagdagan ang income – bagay na hinahangaan ni Hidilyn sa kapwa Pinoy. 

 

“We take it day-by-day and we continue with our dreams. Talagang akma yung linyang we find ways eh. Hindi ka dapat bumitaw kase may paraan para maitawid ang buhay,” paliwanag pa nya. 

 

Kahit hindi pa tapos ang laban ng mundo sa pandemya, naniniwala pa rin si Hidilyn na darating din ang happy ending. “Ang challenge naman hindi binibigay kung hindi kayang lagpasan. Kaya advice ko sa ating mga kabayan, tuloy lang ang buhay. Kayang-kaya ‘yan kabayan!” 

 

Jollibee will be donating a part of the proceeds from every purchase of the Champ & Joy Super Meal to the Philippine Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission

Many know Hidilyn Diaz as the first Filipino Olympic gold medal winner, but few know how hard the road was for this champion weightlifter before she reached her dream.

Having started weightlifting at age eleven, Hidilyn took years of practice, hard work, and grit to overcome the challenges that came her way. She even had to create makeshift weights using concrete and mag wheels when she was just starting out. After four Olympic stints in a span of 12 years, including a DNF (Did Not Finish) in the London edition of the Games, she finally had her golden moment at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. But even then, the road wasn’t easy—due to the pandemic, she had to train in Malaysia away from her family and she once again had to use makeshift weights in an outdoor gym.

 Just like Hidilyn, many Filipino athletes also dream of their moment atop the podium. It is indeed a daunting task, with only a few given a chance to even qualify in the Olympic games. This is why Hidilyn, with the help of Jollibee, aims to pay it forward and help shape the next generation of Filipino champions. 

 

“Bawat panalo, nagsisimula sa pangarap. At ang pangarap ko, maiangat ang mga kabataang atletang Pinoy,” Hidilyn said. “At natutuwa ako na sa tulong ng Jollibee, kahit papaano ay mabibigyan ko sila ng kahit konting pag-asa na makamit nila ang pangarap nila,” she added.

 

Jollibee, as a proudly Pinoy brand, will be donating a part of the proceeds from every purchase of the Champ & Joy Super Meal to the Philippine Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission.

 

 “Jollibee has always believed in the heart and strength of Filipinos and that we can shine even at a global stage. Together with Hidilyn, we want to help nurture and support more Filipino athletes so they too can reach their dreams and continue bringing pride and inspiration to the country,” said Arline Adeva, Assistant Vice President and Head of Brand PR, Engagement, and Digital Marketing.

Hidilyn also plans to donate weightlifting equipment for the grassroots program of the Philippine Sports Commission and the Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas.

 

“Para mas ma-increase yung awareness about weightlifting at sana, ma-realize ng mga bata na posible na ma-achieve nila ang dream nila sa Philippines by starting out sa weightlifting,” she said before adding that she also plans to train athletes herself. 

 

“Hindi naman ako forever na atleta. So kailangan na may kasunod na may ma-train ako na maging champion next to me. Kasi it’s not all about me, ang gusto ko, hindi lang ako ang champ, kundi lahat tayo,” Hidilyn said.

You can also do your part in supporting aspiring Filipino athletes with the Champ & Joy Super Meal. This delicious and filling combo includes a Champ burger, 1-pc. Chickenjoy with rice, and a free Go Large Coke drink. As an added treat, customers will also get a special paper packaging featuring Hidilyn herself and a limited edition Hidilyn Diaz collectible card with every order of the Champ & Joy Super Meal. The meal is available for only PHP 240.00 in select Jollibee stores nationwide until November 30, 2021.

 

Have it safely delivered to you via the Jollibee App, JollibeeDelivery.com, #87000, GrabFood, and foodpanda! You may also enjoy it via Dine-in, Drive-Thru, and Take Out.

 

For more info and updates on Jollibee products, like Jollibee on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Philippines on YouTube, and follow @jollibee on Twitter and Instagram. 

 

 

Jollibee levels up its partnership with Hidilyn through the New Champ & Joy Super Meal!

 

 

Last July, Filipino weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz made history at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics by winning the Philippines’ first ever Olympic gold medal. With that achievement, she was able to lift the country’s spirits and inspire many others to continue working hard for their dreams. 

To pay tribute to Hidilyn and to welcome her as the newest member of the Jollibee family, her amazing feat was featured in a special Kwentong Jollibee film entitled “Ginto,” released on Jollibee’s Facebook page and Jollibee Studios YouTube channel last October 15. 

Now, Jollibee levels up its partnership with Hidilyn through a special limited time menu offering that lets customers feast like world-class champs—the Champ & Joy Super Meal!

The Champ & Joy Super Meal is a delicious and filling combo that puts together everyone’s favorite crispylicious, juicylicious Chickenjoy with the big, juicy, and flavorful Champ, which also comes with a free Go Large Coke drink. As an added treat, customers will also get a special packaging featuring Hidilyn herself and a limited edition Hidilyn Diaz collectible card with every order of the Champ & Joy Super Meal. 

What’s even better is that with every purchase of the meal, customers get to help aspiring Filipino athletes reach their dreams. Part of the proceeds of every Champ & Joy Super Meal will be donated to the Philippine Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission.  

“Hidilyn Diaz truly made us proud to be Filipino with her historic win at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which is why we’ve found it fitting to help her pay it forward. Not only will our customers get to enjoy their Jollibee favorites in one meal, but they’ll also be helping the current generation of homegrown athletes achieve their full potential,” said Arline Adeva, Jollibee Philippines Assistant Vice President and Head of Brand PR, Engagement, and Digital Marketing. 

The Champ & Joy Super Meal is available for only PHP 240.00 in select Jollibee stores in Metro Manila and Zamboanga City starting October 28, and other select stores nationwide starting November 8. Have it safely delivered to you via the Jollibee Delivery App, JollibeeDelivery.com, #87000, GrabFood, and foodpanda! You may also enjoy it via Dine-in, Drive-Thru and Take Out. Available only until November 30, 2021.

For more info and updates on Jollibee products, like Jollibee on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Philippines on YouTube, and follow @jollibee on Twitter and Instagram. 

 

Hidilyn’s Kwentong Jollibee special “Ginto” serves as a reminder that Filipinos can rise above challenges through “lakas at puso”

 

When weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz won the country’s first gold medal after a near century-long wait at the Olympics, Filipinos from all over the globe rejoiced and celebrated her historic triumph. Hidilyn’s winning lift, which also set a new Olympic record, was a result of years of hard work, resilience, and dedication that she put into reaching her dream.

 

And this inspiring journey of Hidilyn—with all the challenges she had to overcome—is at the center of the latest Kwentong Jollibee short film entitled “Ginto”. Jollibee, in collaboration with its partner agency McCann Worldgroup Philippines, hopes to share Hidilyn’s story to bring joy and inspiration to every Filipino.

 

Looking back on her humble beginnings

Hidilyn vividly remembers when she first started training. “Ang gamit kong weights noon ay mga gallon ng tubig. Mayroon akong mahabang bakal, ‘yun ang bar ko, tapos sa magkabila ay mga bote na may lamang tubig o kaya buhangin,” said Hidilyn. There were a lot of challenges at the start of her career, she shared, and many instances when she wanted to give up. But these did not discourage her.

 

Her hard work paid off when she bagged the silver medal in the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics.

 

“Noong nanalo ako sa Rio, doon mas naging malinaw sa akin na maraming nakababatang atleta na nakatingin sa akin para sa inspirasyon. Kaya sabi ko, hindi ako pwedeng sumuko. Ilalaban ko hanggang makuha natin ang pinakamimithing ginto,” said Hidilyn.

 

Reliving her winning moment

To launch the short film “Ginto”, Jollibee held a virtual press conference last October 14. Seeing the film in full for the first time, the Olympic champion was touched to have witnessed her story from the lens of a viewer. “Naiyak po talaga ako, lalo na yung doon sa part na chini-cheer ako ng mga frontliners, ng mga bata. Masaya po ako na na-inspire ko sila gaya ng pag-inspire nila sa akin.” 

Hidilyn Diaz gets emotional while watching her Kwentong Jollibee “Ginto” and the surprise greetings from her loved ones

 

 

The image of Hidilyn clenching her fists in victory will forever be remembered by the whole nation. With “Ginto”, she got to relive this moment, along with the challenges she had to overcome leading to the Tokyo Olympics.

 

When asked how it was like re-enacting her own journey, Hidilyn said, “Bumalik lahat ng emotions — ‘yung saya, ‘yung hirap, at ‘yung pagpapalakas ng mga tao na tumulong sa akin para maabot ko yung pangarap ko.” To her, starring in her own Kwentong Jollibee short film was like another chance to relive her winning moment. “Masaya dahil ibang experience din for me ‘yung mag-act and rewarding dahil nakita ko ‘yung personal journey ko through another lens,” she added.

 

Long-time Kwentong Jollibee and award-winning director Pepe Diokno said it was a great honor to work on this project. “I’ve done a lot of Kwentong Jollibee films, and each story is different. But what sets ‘Ginto’ apart is that it’s a story of a sports icon that’s being revealed to the world. Hidilyn’s journey to success is the inspiration we need in these difficult times, and I treasure that I was able to do it with her and of course, Jollibee,” shared Direk Pepe.

 

Beyond her golden win

Now, with multiple awards and recognition, what more does a Hidilyn Diaz dream of? “For me, gusto ko po makatapos ng aking studies,” she said. At present, Hidilyn is taking up Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. “Gusto ko po makuha ang aking diploma at makapag-develop pa ng training schools para sa mga aspiring na atleta gaya ko noong nag-uumpisa ako. Nandito pa rin ako kasi weightlifting ang passion ko at gusto kong i-share ito sa mga kabataan,” Hidilyn added. She also mentioned plans of setting up an outreach activity similar to a community pantry in the coming months.

 

Hidilyn’s Kwentong Jollibee special “Ginto” serves as a reminder that Filipinos can rise above challenges through “lakas at puso,” armed with the love and support of those around them. ​​

 

Watch the Kwentong Jollibee Ginto on the official Jollibee Facebook page and on Jollibee Studios YouTube channel, and join the conversation online by using the hashtag #KwentongJollibeeGinto.

Hidilyn Diaz story of “lakas at puso” is immortalized in Jollibee’s latest Kwentong Jollibee, “Ginto”

While the whole nation rejoiced and celebrated the historic feat of Hidilyn Diaz during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, not everyone knew of the hardships that she had to overcome to reach her dream of winning the country’s first Olympic Gold medal. Now, her story of “lakas at puso” which made all that possible is immortalized in Jollibee’s latest Kwentong Jollibee, “Ginto”. 

 

The short film chronicles the life-long journey of Hidilyn in typical Kwentong Jollibee fashion – heartwarming, tugs at the heartstrings and filled with life lessons – while aimed at continuing to inspire Filipinos to reach their own dreams. 

 

“We wanted to pay tribute not just to Hidilyn’s victory, but to her strength, heart and resilience, which truly brought joy and uplifted the nation. And we thought it fitting to produce her own Kwentong Jollibee, not just to thank her for her feat but to somehow share her story so that we Filipinos can continue to be inspired by what she has achieved”, said Arline Adeva, Jollibee Philippines Assistant Vice President and Head of Brand PR, Engagement, and Digital Marketing.   

 

“Ginto” is directed by internationally acclaimed and resident Kwentong Jollibee director Pepe Diokno. The latest Kwentong Jollibee film is centered on how Hidilyn has become a champion and a Filipino icon who proved that hard work and grit pays off. “People can expect an inspiring story about dealing with defeat, and winning with perseverance,” he said. Direk Pepe also added that giving hope and providing inspiration was at the core of this latest Kwentong Jollibee film. “I think with the current situation, many Filipinos feel defeated and divided, but Hidilyn’s win gave us strength and brought us together,” he said.

For her part, Hidilyn cherished being part of her own, special Kwentong Jollibee. “Lahat naman tayo kilala ang Kwentong Jollibee. Usually, ito yung tungkol sa love and relationships. Masaya lang ako kasi naipakita dito yung love for sports, love for your dream, and love for your country. Sana naipakita namin yung inspirasyon na maidudulot nung Kwentong Jollibee Ginto,” Hidilyn said.

 

While Hidilyn’s rise to become a modern-day icon and the country’s pride and joy was well-documented, Jollibee and McCann worked together to creatively tell her story in a way that would make a lasting impact. “Everyone knows her story by now so the challenge was how to shine a new light on her in a way that would inspire and motivate Filipinos who may also be experiencing struggles and challenges,” explained NJ Mijares, Creative Director of McCann Worldgroup Philippines. “With every Kwentong Jollibee we create, we always ask ourselves ‘is this relatable? Will other people feel the same way?’ More so with this one. Because we're telling a story of a very specific person with a very specific achievement, we tried to tell it in a way that mirrors the dreams, the struggles, and the journey of millions of Filipinos.”

 

Watch the Kwentong Jollibee Ginto on the official Jollibee Facebook page and on Jollibee Studios YouTube channel, and join the conversation online by using the hashtag #KwentongJollibeeGinto. 

 

 

The Philippines' first Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz joins Team Smart

The Philippines' first Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz joins Team Smart as its newest ambassador, a collaboration aligned with the thrust of the country’s leading mobile services provider to empower and inspire Filipino athletes and its millions of subscribers.     

      

Much like Hidilyn, love of sports has always been deeply ingrained in the Smart DNA. The telco has been doing its share of heavy lifting to provide support for our athletes both at home and on the international stage. In fact, Smart has been a part of Hidilyn's journey since 2016.  

 

Moreover, the MVP Sports Foundation (MVPSF) has always been in Hidilyn’s corner, giving constant support from then until now. This partnership with Hidilyn came as no surprise because Smart and Hidilyn are coming from years of shared passion in heeding the call for a stronger nation.    

 Uplifting the nation in her winning moment     

“Hidilyn has given us something priceless amidst the challenges we all face. In her winning moment, she uplifted all of us and reminded the whole nation what triumph feels like,” said Jane J. Basas, SVP and Head of Consumer Wireless Business at Smart.      

     

“Hidilyn’s historic success is every Filipino’s success story. She is committed more than ever to keep on inspiring Filipinos, and we want to work with her in telling new stories of hope, inspiration, and excellence. We look forward to a fruitful partnership with another world-class Filipino athlete in Hidilyn,” she added.       

 

Hidilyn is joining Smart's value brand TNT to be the latest Katropa championing Filipino values among the youth —simple at totoo, mapangarap, madiskarte, positibo, and makatropa. TNT aims to support local talents and help give them the platform to showcase their talent to the world, and the brand is also proud to have Hidilyn be a part of their family to spread positivity and inspire the Filipino youth in chasing and achieving their dreams.      

     

“Andito ako lumalaban para sa Pilipinas,” said Hidilyn. “I don’t want to give up for myself and for you because young athletes deserve a role model who doesn’t give up on her dreams. This is one of the reasons why I decided to partner with Smart and TNT, so we may continue to inspire others. Smart is also like home to me. It’s a brand that has always been there for me from way back.”       

   

“At TNT, we’ve seen how Hidilyn displayed resilience in the face of challenges and how she overcame these and achieved her dreams. She is indeed a role model that the Kabataang Pinoys can truly identify with and take inspiration from and we look forward to her being our newest KaTropa” said Miriam Z. Choa, Smart FVP and Head of Prepaid Business.  

   

LINK TO HIDILYN’S VIDEO - https://fb.watch/7EgfYY_uk0/

     

Fastest 5G network in the Philippines     

     

Like Hidilyn, Smart also continues to raise the bar when it comes to bringing Filipinos closer to their passions powered by the Philippines' fastest 5G network.     

     

Ookla®, the global leader in internet testing and analysis, recently cited Smart as the country's fastest 5G mobile network for the first half of 2021. Smart notched the top place in the country with a Speed Score^TMof 204.81, posting median download and upload speeds of 220.66 Mbps and 20.61 Mbps, respectively based on 237,142 user-initiated 5G tests taken with Speedtest in the Philippines.     

     

Smart has also reasserted its dominance as the Philippines' fastest mobile network for the fourth year in a row, based on analysis by Ookla of tests taken with Speedtest® covering the first half of 2021.       

     

On the other hand, Smart scored a rare sweep in the April 2021 Philippines Mobile Network Experience Awards by independent analytics firm Opensignal, beating the competition across all metrics in three essential aspects of service, including Coverage (4G Coverage Experience, 4G Availability), Speed (Download and Upload Speed) and Experience (Games, Video and Voice App).      

     

Make the Smart move now! To know more about Smart's products and services, visit smart.com.ph. # 

Manulife Philippines will be giving Gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz a Manulife Horizons insurance policy

In 2019, when Hidilyn Diaz went publicly on social media to bravely ask for financial support from private companies to help fund her Olympics stint, leading life insurer Manulife was one of those that heeded the call and signed her up as the company’s brand ambassador in the Philippines. 

 

The partnership aimed to inspire Filipinos to work hard, believe in one’s self ― even when faced with the biggest roadblocks ― and turn challenges into life-changing opportunities.

 

When the pandemic struck last year, the Tokyo Olympics was postponed. Diaz thought her dream to compete and win the gold had ended. Despite the setback, the Filipino airwoman and weightlifter still did the work. In her words, “ang buhay atleta ay training, training, training.” She also believed that the opportunity to represent the country had not been lost. 

 

“Because of uncertainty brought by COVID-19, many of us developed new fears and worries. Despite this, many Filipinos have managed to keep their momentum and focus on reaching their aspirations. Hidilyn Diaz is a great example,” shared Melissa Henson, Chief Marketing Officer of Manulife Philippines. 

“The gritty athlete that she is, Hidilyn maintained a positive mindset and continued to focus on her training. Her values and determination truly inspired us, and as Manulife’s brand ambassador, we know that she can inspire our fellow Filipinos to keep focused on their dreams, too,” Henson shared.  

 

“While she had to be away from her family and put her life outside weightlifting in the back seat, her relentless preparation allowed her to qualify for the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics this year, and eventually led her to win the first-ever Olympic gold medal for the Philippines. It has been such an honor to witness her incredible journey, and we are so proud of her,” Henson added.  

 

To show their gratitude for the effort and perseverance that led her to the gold, Manulife Philippines has announced that they will be giving Hidilyn Diaz a Manulife Horizons insurance policy with lifetime coverage of Php10 million. 

 

On her Instagram page, where she mentioned Manulife Philippines and the importance of having the right plan, Hidilyn gave a glimpse of a “day in the life on the road to the Olympics,” where her routine consisted of “eat, train, rest” and “repeat but do better tomorrow.” She also shared how “it takes a lot of work, discipline, focus and determination” to see the process through, to make the country proud and bring home the much-coveted gold. 

“Akala ko hindi na matutupad ang pangarap ko dahil sa pandemic. Pero isa lang ang naging goal ko ― always aim for gold sa kahit ano mang gusto kong makamit sa buhay. Ito ‘yung message na gusto ko maparating sa mga kababayan natin. Kahit maraming challenges tayong hinaharap, ang importante ay we never give up, kasi in the end maaabot din natin ang mga goals natin. Laban lang!” said Diaz.

Before her historic and successful stint at this year’s Olympics, where she set a new Olympic record at the women’s weightlifting 55kg division, to win with a total of 224kg in her last lift in the clean and jerk, Hidilyn won silver in the 53kg class in the Rio Olympics in 2016. In Rio, she ended a 20-year Olympic medal drought for the Philippines, and gave the first non-boxing medal for the country since 1936. She also competed in the 2018 Asian Games, where she became the first-ever Filipino weightlifter of any gender to win a gold medal in the regional meet. She is now the first Filipina weightlifter to compete in four consecutive Summer Olympic Games, having also competed in Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012, where she was the Philippines’ flagbearer during the opening ceremony.

With a growing record of landmark victories, Hidilyn is excited to see what’s in store for her in the future. In fact, she has also been thinking about her retirement plans. 

“For sure, marami rin ang nag-iisip ng what’s next? Setting goals and having a plan are important to make sure nasecure ang future namin ng family ko. Savings and insurance ang sagot! I know I can’t compete forever, so dapat nagtatabi kahit pakonti-konti,” she posted on Instagram. 

Hidilyn Diaz has demonstrated the importance of creating new beginnings and restarting plans to live the life you want. Armed with more passion, grit, and love for the sport and country, the 30-year-old Olympic champion will surely keep beating the odds -- lifting herself and others up along the way --  and proving that when you work hard and take charge of your future, anything is possible.