Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, welcomed Asian Games gold medalists Ernest John Obiena, Margarita “Meggie” Ochoa and Annie Ramirez, as well as bronze medalist Kaila Napolis during a visit at the Senate on Wednesday.
“Your achievements are a source of pride for the entire nation. You showed to the whole world the Filipinos’ never-say-die attitude. Hoping you will inspire our people to work hard so they can succeed,” Go said.
Ramirez and Napolis were joined by their jiu-jitsu coaches Stephen Kamphuis, John Baylon and Allan Co as well as other athletes who medaled in previous meets such as gold medalist Marc Alexander Lim (2023 Southeast Asian Games), silver medalist Kimberly Anne Custodio (world championships), bronze medalist Daniela Palanca (world championships), silver medalist Santino Luzuriaga (world championships), bronze medalist Jollerine Co (world championships), gold medalist Dean Roxas (2019 SEA Games).
Also paying a courtesy call were pole vaulting champion EJ Obiena and his mother Maria Jeanette Obiena as well as Philippine Sports Commission chairperson Richard “Dickie” Bachmann and executive director Paulo Tatad.
“As chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, I am extending my heartfelt thanks to our athletes, coaches, national sports associations and other staff as well as to the Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Sports Commission and other government agencies and the private sector who have all worked hard to help our delegation,” he added.
Also standing out during the Hangzhou Asian Games are the Gilas basketball team that put an end to the 61-year-old gold drought as well as boxing silver medalist Eumir Marcial.
