POC rewards Asiad heroes

The Philippine Olympic Committee awarded a total of P10.6 million to the medalists in the 19th Asian Games during its general assembly meeting last Tuesday at the East Ocean Palace Restaurant in Parañaque City.

POC president Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino led the awarding, saying that the POC family is one in celebrating the triumphs of the Filipino athletes in the prestigious quadrennial event held in Hangzhou last October.

"It was a general assembly where the POC family came together in joy and camaraderie, full of Christmas spirit," Tolentino said.

"We didn't discuss any topic, but just giving the incentives and hosting our Christmas Party."

The Philippines won four gold, two silver and 12 bronze medals for a total of 18 medals to post one of its best finishes in the Asian Games.

Personally receiving their incentives were jiu-jitsu gold medalist Annie Ramirez, who banked P1 million, and boxing silver medalist Eumir Felix Marcial, who received P500,000.

POC athletes commission Nikko Huelgas received the cash reward of pole vault champion and Asian record holder Ernest John "EJ" Obiena of P1 million while her fellow jiu-jitsu athletes got Meggie Ochoa's bonus.

Members of the gold medal-winning men's basketball team each got P200,000 with Philippine Rowing Association secretary general Magnum Membrere, a member of the MVP Group, symbolically receiving the check.

Wushu's Arnel Mandal also got P500,000 for his silver while Patrick King Perez (poomsae), Patrick Coo (cycling), Sakura Alforte (karate), Kaila Napolis (jiu-jitsu), Elreen Ann Ando (weightlifting) and wushu's Jones Inso, Gideon Padua and Clemente Tabugara of wushu were rewarded P300,000 each.

Tennis sensation Alex Eala got P450,000 for her bronze medal in women's singles and P150,000 for her bronze in the mixed doubles event with Francis Casey Alcantara.

Sepak takraw's Jason Huerte, Rheyjey Ortouste, Vince Torno, Mark Joseph Gonzales, Ronsited Gabayeron and Jom Lerry Rafael received P200,000 each for their two bronze medals in men's quadrant and regu of sepak takraw.