FORMER Aiba World Women's Boxing silver medalist Nesthy Alcayde Petecio and Southeast Asian (SEA) Games bemedaled judoka Jennilou Mosqueda, who both started their careers in Davao City, were both starstruck when President Rodrigo Duterte shook their hands and wished them luck during Monday evening's send-off ceremonies for the country's delegation to the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia.
“Nindog akong balahibo sa kalipay (I had goosebumps! I am so happy),” Petecio said in a Facabook interview with SunStar Davao Tuesday, adding that the experience was overwhelming.
Petecio, born in Tuban, Sta. Cruz in Davao del Sur and joined the Calinan Boxing Team of Davao City when she was starting to learn the ropes of the sport, reminisced saying, “Nakaduol, nakagunit labaw na nga nagmano ko niya Ma'am sobra na gani ko na inspire samot nga iyaha kong gi-goodluck (I got close to him, held him and also gestured to show him my respect but I got more inspired when he wished me luck).”
The 26-year-old ace recently swept all four titles in the tournaments she competed in this year - 2nd Kapolri Cup Boxing Tournament Open in Manado, Indonesia in July; 10th International Boxing Tournament in Russia last May; XXXV International Felis Stamm Tournament for Elite Men and Women in Warsaw, Poland in March; and 1st Indian Open International Boxing Tournament in February.
“Excited kaayo ko kay first time nako makasulod sa Malacañang tapos na-meet nako si President usab. Dati mayor pa lang sya mao lang gihapon wala sya nagbago, cool kaayo nga tao always (I was excited to enter Malacañang for the first time and meet the President again. He was then a mayor before but he has not changed, he is still cool as always),” Petecio said, also sharing that Duterte talked to her briefly upon knowing that she's from Davao.
She recalled that the President told her, “Boxer ka, gahi kaayo ka ba (You are a boxer, you are tough).”
The President, in his message, said, “How you got here is a proof of your commitment and dedication to your respective sports and the sacrifices you went through just to become part of this national team. Your presence here is a testament to the indomitable Filipino spirit that each of you embodies.”
He enjoined the Filipino people in wishing the athletes the best as they uphold the values of integrity, resilience, and sportsmanship in your pursuit of the gold.
“Every victory you bring back home is shared by the entire nation,” he said.
Mosqueda, in a separate Facebook interview, said: “Lipay kaayo mi kay sa tinagal ng panahon niabot ra jud time nga gitagad nami ug presidente (We are so happy that a President has given us attention).”
She said that it will be her first time to compete in the Asiad in a new sport similar to judo known as kurash. She also said that kurash, unlike judo, “wala syang ground, puro standing”.
Philippine Olympic Committee and Philippine Sports Commission officials were also present during the event along with Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go.
The quadriennial games will open on Saturday. (With PND report)