“Thank you sa pag-recognize sa pagka-panalo ko. Thank you so much na na-appreciate ninyo yung nagawa ko para sa bansa”, Hidilyn said, sharing that a vehicle will be helpful for her to move around especially in Metro Manila.

Despite the many odds she faced, Hidilyn remained steadfast to her goal for Olympic gold which she boldly declared as a 17-year old athlete in 2008 in an interview with Chino Trinidad for 24 Oras’ Time Out: ”Someday, dadalhin ko yung flag ng Pilipinas as weighlifter gold medalist sa Olympics.”

And she did just that after 13 years.

Said Ayala Foundation President Ruel Maranan: “Maraming salamat sa lahat ng iyong hirap, pagtyatyaga, sakripisyo at mataimtim na pananampalataya, tunay kang isang Atletang Magiting. KI-nayang A-butin ang ating gintong pangarap. Tanggapin.mo ang.munting alay namin, sasakyan ng Kampeon.”

Recognizing Diaz as “Atletang Magiting” is part of Ayala Foundation’s sustained efforts to promote love of country. Through the Maging Magiting campaign, Ayala Foundation calls on Filipinos to take pride in our heritage and identity, by giving honor to our national emblems such as the flag, while also embodying the call for all of us to be heroes in our own ways. It has a recognition component, like the Pulis Magiting X Pilipinong Magiting initiative, which was recently relaunched in six regions to celebrate men and women in uniform who have shown extraordinary acts of heroism beyond the call of duty.

Kia Philippines is under AC Motors, Ayala Corporation’s automotive arm, which also houses Volkswagen, Maxus, Honda, and Isuzu.