AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships 2019 gold medalist Nesthy Alcayde Petecio did not need a fancy welcome party to greet her upon her arrival at Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City yesterday morning as seeing her mother Prescilla and brother Neftali, 14, was more than she could ask for.
They embraced each other so tight considering that they only last saw each other December last year.
Her welcome entourage came all the way from their humble home in Barangay Tuban, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. Petecio was not alone though, she also arrived with her younger siblings Nice Zzaa, 25, and Norlan, 17, who are also members of the national boxing team. The Philippine Sports Commission (PS) bought their round trip plane tickets.
Despite her hectic training schedule for her 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, she said giving time for her family is very important for her.
“Karon naay daghan nga schedule po pero gitagaan ko higayon nga magspend gyud kog time sa akong pamilya (There's a lot of schedules but I was given this opportunity to spend time with my family),” she said.
“Sa tinuod lang gamay ra gyud kaayo siya pero giistorya na man ko nila coach, sa among association gyud nga naa mi mas labaw nga gipreparahan, kumbaga dungag nga inspirasyon lang ni sa akoa kay syempre kailangan ang pamilya gyud (My coaches and our association said that we are preparing for something bigger but they recognize that being with my family would give me inspiration),” she added.
Petecio said she will stay at home and bond with her family, adding that she will have limited media guestings in the city.
The one-week vacation, according to her, will also serve as morale booster for Nice Zzaa and Norlan. The latter will compete in Mongolia on November 8.
She also said that her recent feat also inspired her other siblings.