RIO Olympics 2016 weightlifting silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz romped away with two special awards Monday, January 23 - the Resorts World Manila Lucky Person of the Year during the Stargate People Asia Magazine's People of the Year Awards at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila and Women of Excellence Award by the Miss Universe Organization during a charity gala at the Conrad Manila Luxury Hotel.
Diaz, who donned a Jun Escario Filipiniana gown, raved about the awards feted her on her social media accounts.
She posted, “Two recognitions and award for a night. I survived... To achieve your dream, you have to claim it, work hard for it. Never give up on your dream and ask for the guidance of our God Almighty.”
Diaz, who was also named as Philippine Sportswriters Association Athlete of the Year last week, went on saying, “Salamat sa pa-award sa akin as kauna-unahang (Thank you for giving me the award as the first) lucky person of the year with Orlina Trophy. Award winning na gown ko, bigatin pa ang trophy.”
She cited Escario for bringing out her best as a Filipina with his creation.
“Salamat sa Miss Universe Organization sa pag recognize sa akin kagabi naging parte ako (sa) women (of) excellence award nila at nakarampa sa stage, kahanay ko sina (Thank you Miss Universe Organization for recognizing me last night, making me a part of the women of excellence award and strutting in the stage with) Dr. Vicky Belo at Lea Salonga,” she said, regretting that her mobile phone's battery was drained so she failed taking pictures with them.
Her mother Emelita accompanied her to the two awarding ceremonies. In a separate photo she took of her mom, Diaz captioned it, “She's my number one supporter, my mom! My prayer warrior!”
The 25-year-old native of Mampang, Zamboanga City, graced the Philippine Sports Institute grand launching at the PhilSports Multi-Purpose Arena in Pasig City last January 16.
She led over 1,000 national athletes during the declaration of oath of support along with women's boxing coach Roel Velasco, a Barcelona Olympics bronze medalist, Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco, Jr. and Presidential Adviser on Sports Dennis Uy.
But she did not linger on at the event as she had to rush and catch up with her classes at the College of Saint Benilde. She is on a college scholarship grant for her Olympic feat.
Though she won't be seeing action in the upcoming Southeast Asian Games, Diaz aims to compete in the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games on September 17 to 27 in Ashgiabat, Turkmenistan, and in the International Weightlifting Federation World Championships in Anaheim, USA slated November 28 to December 5.
With her journey towards Tokyo 2020 Olympics starting and college life taking a toll on her schedule, Diaz yesterday apologized to her followers and friends if she could not comment and reply to their messages.
