Well-wishers flood Barriga's FB account

FILIPINO well-wishers here and abroad flood the Facebook account of lone Olympic boxer Mark Anthony Barriga of Panabo City as the world's greatest sporting spectacle, the 2012 London Olympic, is set to unfurl at 4 a.m. on Saturday, Manila time.

Barriga, a native of Panabo City, and the rest of the national boxing contingent led by Amateur Association of the Philippines (Abap) executive director Ed Picson and head coach Roel Velasco, were sent off by the Filipino community in Cardiff, Wales before heading to London.

"Sa lahat ng tao na nakilala ko o nakilala namin sa Cardiff, maraming-maraming salamat sa inyo. Malaking bagay para sa amin iyong mga suporta ninyo na naitulong sa akin at sa aming lahat. I promise (that) win or lose, hindi ko kayo malilimutan at hindi kami magbabago...," Barriga posted on his timeline yesterday.

The Barangay Una Boxing Team, where the Olympian started his boxing career, assured Barriga of their prayers and support for his triumph in the Games.

"Indeed, you made us all proud. Give your best shot and never be intimidated by your opponents as we are confident that you have the best talent and ability to showcase the world. Bring home the gold and gold shall (be poured) unto you and your family," Barangay Una Boxing Team wrote.

Michelle Adain of Sydney, New South Wales said: "May God bless you always and that you win gold in the London Olympics... Viva Pinoy!"

Boxing coach Romeo Brillantes Desabille said his hard work in training is useless without prayer, thus, he urged the first-time Olympian to "never forget to call our Almighty Father because He is the source of everything. Without him, we can do nothing. We always pray for your victory".

Barriga's Davao City-based girlfriend Anna Margie Sienes, for her part, said, "Wishing you to be No. 1".

Dave Lontayao said, "Good luck sa Olympics! Go for GOLD kaya mo iyan!"
Patricio Gaspi also wished him well, saying, "Basta ilaro mo lang iyung galing mo, tiyak maganda magiging resulta.."

Well-wishers started posted on Barriga's timeline since last year when he booked a slot to London via the 2011 Aiba World Boxing Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan where his Round of 16 tormentor Shiming Zou of China ended up with the gold medal in the said Olympic qualifying event.

Barriga will yet see action on July 31.

Archers Rachel Anne Cabral and Mark Javier will open Team Philippines' campaign on Friday in women's and men's individual categories.

Swimmer Jessie King Lacuña makes his debut on Sunday in men's 200m freestyle.