Manila: Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino will be recognized as Executive of the Year anew during the San Miguel Corporation-Philippine Sportswriters Association (SMC-PSA) Annual Awards Night on Jan. 27 at the Manila Hotel grand ballroom.
According to Philippines News Agency, Tolentino, who also earned the honor in 2021 and 2022, received the recognition from the sports writing fraternity for his engagement in the participation and performance of Team Philippines at the Paris Olympics.
Gymnast Carlos Yulo, who secured two gold medals in Paris, leads the awardees in the festivity co-presented by ArenaPlus, Cignal, and MediaQuest. The 24-year-old Yulo is the unanimous choice as 2024 Athlete of the Year by the country’s oldest media organization, led by Nelson Beltran, sports editor of The Philippine Star.
Aside from Yulo’s achievements, the Philippines clinched two bronze medals, thanks to boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas. Under Tolentino’s leadership, the Philippines celebrated its first Olympic gold medal in Tokyo with weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz’s victory in the women’s 55-kg class. Furthermore, Petecio and Carlo Paalam won silver medals, while Eumir Marcial added a bronze at the Tokyo Games.
The event will also honor the NSA of the Year, Major Awardees in other sports, President’s Award, Tony Siddayao Awards, and citations, as well as offer special recognition to Filipino Olympians from the Paris Olympics and Paralympics.
