PH sports stars honor their ‘queen, inspiration’ on Mother’s Day

Photo from Alyssa Valdez’s Instagram

MANILA, Philippines — What do most champion athletes have in common?

Aside from being great in their respective fields, they also have an ever supportive mother behind them.

“Happy Mother’s Day to the most amazing woman I gladly call mommy,” Agatha Wong, a Southeast Asian Games gold medalist in Wushu, wrote on Instagram. “Love you mom!”

The Ravena siblings–all UAAP champions with Ateneo–made sure to thank their main inspiration, who, like her children is also a star in her own right as a volleyball player in her days with University of Santo Tomas.

“Happy momma’s day to our beautiful Rock. She’s been our fan since day one and you deserve all the credit. You and Papa,” Kiefer, a national team mainstay, posted on Instagram. “Through good games and bad, you cheered for us. Trials and challenges, you willed us through. We love you! Happy mother’s day to all the wonderful mothers out there!”

“Happy Mother’s Day to my number one motivation! Happy Mother’s Day to all of the beautiful moms around the world as well!” Thirdy said.

“To the reason behind our victories and most especially why we can rise from a defeat. Happy Mother’s Day Mudra! Thank you for all your unconditional love and sacrifices for the entire family. Everyday should be Mother’s Day!” wrote Dani, who plays libero for the Lady Eagles.

Volleyball stars Alyssa Valdez and Mika Reyes also paid tributes to their mothers.

“Maraming salamat sa lahat ng sakripisyo at walang sawang pagmamahal na walang hinihinging kapalit. (Thank you to all the sacrifices and unconditional love you’ve given us.) Happy Mother’s Day Nanay! We love you,” posted Valdez.

University of Santo Tomas head coach Kung Fu Reyes may be busy as a staff sergeant with the Philippine Army as he performed his military duties as a frontliner during the enhanced community quarantine, but he didn’t forget to pay tribute to his wife Diana during the special day.

“Happy Mother’s Day to you my Dear! Alam mo na yan, ako ang eldest mo (You already know it, I’m your eldest),” posted Reyes.

National team player Jovelyn Gonzaga, who’s also serving her Philippine Army duties as a corporal, also tipped her hat to all mothers.

“Dedicated to all moms out there, happy Mother’s Day. A snappy salute,” posted Gonzaga.

Past and present PBA stars took the time to greet their respective wives.

“Happy 18th birthday, happy Mother’s Day my Queen I love you! Sana nagustuhan mo handa namin, salamat din sa mga kasambahay ko sa pag ayos. Sa lahat ng nanay salamat po sa pagmamahal niyo sa mga anak niyo!” posted Gilas legend Marc Pingris, whose wife Danica Sotto also celebrated her 37th birthday on Saturday, on Instagram.

(I hope you liked our what we prepared for you. Thank you also to the people who helped me prepare and also to all the mothers for loving their children!)

Former Philippine team captain turned head coach Jimmy Alapag also honored his wife LJ Reyes through Instagram, thanking her for what she’s done as his family’s matriarch and being the light to their children Ian Maximus, Keona Skye, and Calen Asher.

“Happy Mother’s Day My Love!” said Alapag, the Alab Pilipinas coach. “Might not be our typical celebration today, but we’ll be creative! Always thankful for all that you do for the kids and I. We honor you today, and everyday! We love you!”