Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino vowed to further uphold the Olympic motto “Faster, Higher, Stronger, Together” as he thanked sports leaders in a fellowship cum Christmas Party a week after getting a fresh and overwhelming mandate as Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president.

Before close to three dozen national sports association leaders, Tolentino expressed his gratitude and stressed that they have to move forward to strive for greater heights as they enter a new Olympic season that will culminate in Los Angeles in 2028.

“Let us continue to strive for greater heights in the spirit of teamwork and perfection,” Tolentino said during the luncheon affair at the Hotel Okura Manila in Pasay City late last week.

“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all members of the Philippine Olympic Committee,” Tolentino said, adding “your dedication, hard work and unity have been instrumental in shaping the success of Philippine sports this year.”

“Together, we have overcome challenges, celebrated victories, and strengthened our commitment to supporting our athletes and nation,” said Tolentino who, under his watch, bridged two Olympics — Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 — marked with historic gold medals one from weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo and two from gymnast Carlos Yulo.

“Thank you for your unwavering passion and service,” added Tolentino, who during the POC elections last Friday garnered 45 of the possible 61 votes in the Olympic cycle elections.

Among those who celebrated with Tolentino were newly-elected POC auditor Donaldo Caringal of volleyball and executive board members Leonora Escollante of canoe-kayak-dragon boat, Leah Gonzalez of fencing, Alvin Aguilar of wrestling, Ferdinand Agustin of jiu-jitsu and Alexander Sulit of judo and secretary-general Atty. Wharton Chan of kickboxing.

Gymnastics’ Cynthia Carrion and Rowena Eusuya were also there as well as cycling’s Atty. Billy Sumagui, sepak takraw’s Karen Caballero, boxing’s Marcus Manalo and Athletes Commission’s Nikko Huelgas.

Olympic boxing medalist Nesthy Petecio and Eumir Felix Marcial also joined karate president Richard Lim and table tennis head Ting Ledesma as well as Rolan Llamas (kurash), Reynald Tiangco (tennis), Imelda Regencia (ice hockey) Jobert Yu and Brian Benjamin Lim (esports), Dr. Ernesto Jay Adalem (handball), Becky Garcia (dancesports), Paolo Tancontian (sambo) and Gina Avecilla (bowling).

Also present were Jop Malonzo (vovinam), Chressibel Atienza (wushu), Raul Samson (taekwondo), Jarryd Bello (curling), Charlie Ho (netball), Jonne Go (hockey), Aniceto Facundo II (skateboarding), Red Dumuk (pickleball), Jasper Tanhucco (athletics) and Jezreel Apelar (ski and snowboarding).