AFTER several months of waiting, 34-year-old United City FC striker Bienvenido Marañon can’t be happier than finally becoming a Filipino.

On July 2, 2021, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act 11570, otherwise known as an act granting Philippine citizenship to Marañon.

Earlier, Marañon shared how he received lots of love from Filipinos and that he also would like to give it back. “I feel at home in the Philippines and I hope to be one of you.”

The Puerto-born player desired of becoming a Filipino because he loved the country and its people, and wanted to play for the national team, as he feels like he has been a Filipino since he arrived here.

"I want to help them [Azkals] reach the World Cup, play in the Asian Cup, and win the Suzuki Cup," the Fil-Spanish footballer said.

Meanwhile, like Marañon, his family is likewise happy and excited than him. “They want the best for me and this could be the greatest thing that can happen. They can’t wait also to visit the Philippines and enjoy the beautiful country like the Philippines,” he stressed.

Marañon has also visited the bust sculpture of our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, in Cadiz, Spain. “It was an emotional feeling when I saw Dr. Jose Rizal’s bust sculpture. I have read and watched many videos of him, and he is one of my favorite Filipinos heroes,” he added.

In February 2021, the House Committee on Justice has given the nod to grant Marañon and Fil-Ivorian cager Ange Kouame Filipino citizenship. However, Kouame earned President Duterte’s approval in May, allowing him to play for the Asian Cup Qualifiers in Pampanga and Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Serbia.