Hidilyn Diaz, tinupad ang matagal nang pangarap na akyatin ang Mt. Pinatubo kasama ang asawa

• Hidilyn Diaz fulfilled a long-time dream by hiking Mount Pinatubo with her husband
• The Olympic gold medalist shared that the trip had been planned since her early military days
• Fellow athletes and personalities reacted to her post, including playful challenges for future hikes
• Diaz also continues her new role as a weightlifting instructor at the University of the Philippines

Hidilyn Diaz marked another personal milestone after successfully hiking Mount Pinatubo, describing the experience as a long-awaited dream fulfilled. The Filipina weightlifting icon shared the journey on social media, where she documented the trip with her husband, Julius Naranjo.

“It’s a dream come true to finally be here with Julius,” Diaz wrote as she reflected on the moment.

The Olympic gold medalist explained that visiting the volcano had been part of her plans for years, especially during her time with the Philippine Air Force’s Special Operations Wing.

“I remember when I was assigned to the 710th SPOW, I would always say, 'Someday, I’ll visit Mt. Pinatubo, see its beautiful crater, and learn about the 1991 eruption,'” she shared.

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The athlete posted photos capturing their hike and the scenic view at the top.

“Now it finally happened,” Diaz said. “The ride and hike were fun, and Mt. Pinatubo is truly beautiful.”

The post also drew reactions from fellow personalities. Gretchen Ho shared a group photo with Diaz and Naranjo, while Nesthy Petecio playfully encouraged her to attempt another climb.

“Let's go sa Mt. Apo champ,” Petecio commented, prompting Diaz to respond positively.

Diaz continues to inspire beyond sports. She became the Philippines’ first Olympic champion during the 2020 Summer Olympics, where she set two Olympic records in the women’s 55 kg weightlifting category.

Earlier this month, she also began teaching at the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Human Kinetics.

“I said YES to the calling to serve our nation through teaching weightlifting in UP CHK,” Diaz announced. “I hope weightlifting will be understood and loved by many Filipinos.”

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Hidilyn Francisco Diaz is a trailblazing Filipina athlete who made history as the first Olympic gold medalist from the Philippines. She achieved this landmark victory at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics by excelling in the women’s 55 kg weightlifting division. A four-time Olympian and 2016 silver medalist, Diaz has become an icon of perseverance and excellence in Philippine sports. Beyond her competitive achievements, she now shares her expertise as a faculty member at the University of the Philippines Diliman, inspiring the next generation of athletes.

Recently, Manuel Noel Ferrer addressed the controversy surrounding the fuel incentive awarded to Hidilyn Diaz. On Facebook, he clarified that the fuel benefit from Phoenix Petroleum was originally announced publicly as “FREE FUEL FOR LIFE,” without any conditions or restrictions at the time of the announcement. Ferrer emphasized that Diaz’s camp respects the company’s decision to discontinue the benefit while highlighting the athlete’s continued dedication to bringing pride and honor to the Philippines.

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Meanwhile, according to her manager, Hidilyn Diaz received fuel support only for the first two years following her historic Olympic gold. Ferrer reiterated that the lifetime fuel promise from Phoenix Petroleum had initially been presented without conditions. He also stressed the importance of valuing athletes even after their peak years in the spotlight. Ferrer further called for honesty and proper recognition of contributions made to Philippine sports, highlighting the need to honor athletes’ achievements with transparency and integrity.

Source: KAMI.com.gh