MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Mothers are important pillars in the lives of Filipino athletes. And as the country celebrates Mother’s Day, we spoke to some of the MVP Sports Foundation, PLDT, and Smart-backed athletes on the values that they learned from their mothers.
Olympian Hidilyn Diaz shared that she learned how to be thrifty from her mother. The weightlifting champ came from a humble family in Zamboanga, but that did not deter her from achieving her goals in life. She has consistently thanked her parents on her Instagram page, for always being there to support her matches. She also shared that she learned how to be caring and how to be prayerful from her mother.
Meanwhile, PLDT Home Fibr Hitter Rhea Dimaculangan shared that her mom taught her to love God above all, and to be humble always. “My mom also taught me to do my best in everything that I do,” the decorated setter said.
DMac’s teammate, Isa Molde, also shared that her mother taught her to value time spent with loved ones, and to treat people with respect and kindness always. “She inspires me to help people who are in need and those who have nothing,” the former UP Maroon and UAAP Season 78 Rookie of the Year said.
Another volleyball athlete, Maria Shola Alvarez, shared that her mom taught her to love her siblings dearly. “I’m the eldest,” she said. Her mother also instilled in her the values of being independent, as well as being generous to others.
“We at PLDT, Smart, and MVPSF would like to appreciate the support that comes from our athletes’ families, especially, their moms who encourage them to persevere in their sports careers,” said Jude Turcuato, Head of Sports at PLDT and Smart and MVPSF Executive Director. “Their parents and loved ones have been there with us in making sure that our athletes are in the right mindset during their training and competition,” he added.
The Philippines’ largest integrated telco PLDT and its wireless unit Smart, and the MVPSF have always been at the forefront when it comes to championing sports and providing opportunities for Filipino athletes as part of nation-building.
For more information, visit www.smart.com.ph.
