POC chief rewards boxing medalists with house and lot in Tagaytay

Photo from Eumir Marcial’s Instagram

TOKYO—Until early Sunday morning, nobody had bothered to ask Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino what his reward would be for the Filipino medalists in boxing during the Tokyo Olympics here.

So when the opportunity came during a Zoom conference, Tolentino made an impromptu announcement.

“All the boxing medalists will get a house and lot in Tagaytay,” Tolentino said. “This is for them to share with their families.”

Upon hearing the announcement, silver medalist Carlo Paalam (flyweight) and bronze medalist Eumir Marcial (middleweight, who were at the Zoom conference, whooped it up in celebration.

“My palms are sweating. Thanks so much sir,” and ecstatic Marcial said after hugging Paalam and planting a kiss on his teammate’s head.

Tolentino had previously announced that he would be giving a house and lot to Hidilyn Diaz, the weightlifting heroine who delivered the country’s first Olympic gold medal in history.

The Filipino medalists, who became instant millionaires after their feats in what is the country’s best participation in the Summer Games, can expect more windfall as supporters continue to pledge rewards for them.

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