Exactly a year after Filipino Paralympians participated in the Tokyo Paralympic Games, these exemplary athletes continue to inspire others and bring honor to our country.
Recognizing the level of commitment that it takes to excel in international sporting competitions, Cebu Pacific, the country's leading carrier, awarded the country’s Olympic and Paralympic delegations with free flights, which can be used by the athletes, their family members, and friends.
“Our Paralympic delegation did their best and have proven that they deserve to fly. We recognize their efforts and are grateful to them for representing our country, loud and proud,” said Carmina Romero, Director for Corporate Communications at Cebu Pacific.
A total of 25 flights — symbolizing Cebu Pacific’s 25th anniversary in 2021 — were given to each Paralympian so they may fly across CEB’s domestic and short-haul international destinations.
Filipino wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan, who placed eighth in the men's 100m T52 finals at the Tokyo Paralympics, was able to share a portion of his free Cebu Pacific flights with his family and friends immediately after the competition. “Competing in the games is always a challenge. It takes a lot of mental, physical, and financial investment, which is why I consider it a blessing to be reunited with friends and family after a tournament—especially after the games in Tokyo. Because of the flight grants, we felt the airline’s love and support for the para athletes,” says Mangliwan.
This year, Cebu Pacific’s flight grants enabled para-athlete Angel Otom to be with her family while she competed at the 11th ASEAN Para Games in Indonesia, where she won three gold medals. Mila Otom, Angel’s mother, shared: “We were able to see my child compete in swimming for the first time thanks to the free flights provided by [Tokyo Paralympians] Ernie Gawilan and Gary Bejino. I was overjoyed to be able to see her in person while competing. Aside from the fact that it was my first trip to Indonesia with my husband, it was a big help for us to save money because instead of paying [for the tickets] on our own, we used it to pay for other expenses such as hotels and food while in Indonesia. We are grateful for the free airline tickets. The crew on Cebu Pacific were friendly, and they made sure that the passengers had a comfortable and smooth flight.”
Abner Alegarbes, the father of para athlete Ariel Alegarbes, was also able to visit Indonesia to watch his son win two gold medals in swimming. “I'm very thankful that Cebu Pacific allowed me to travel to Indonesia in time to see my son compete. It is greatly appreciated, and I hope it will happen again. Thank you very much,” said Alegarbes.
Other Tokyo 2020 Paralympians, including Ernie Gawilan, Allan Ganapin, Gary Bejino, Jeanette Acevedo, and Achelle H. Guion, used CEB’s free flights to further their passion for sport. The flight grants motivated them to advance their skills as it gave them a sense of appreciation for all the effort they exerted into competing for their country.
“The flight grants from CEB came as a surprise for me. It allowed me to continue my training without having to worry about expensive flights,” says Gawilan, who took gold in the men’s 400-meter freestyle S7 competition at the 11th ASEAN Para Games.
In total, the country’s para athletes brought home 28 gold, 30 silver, and 46 bronze medals from the Jakarta Games. Congratulations, Team Philippines!
For more information on Cebu Pacific, visit cebupacificair.com
