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Hidilyn Diaz graces Atom Araullo's book event in BGC
Atom Araullo hosted a meet-and-greet and book signing event for his book "A View From The Ground" in Bonifacio Global City, and none other than Hidilyn Diaz was among the guests!
According to Athena Imperial's "Unang Hirit" report on Monday, the celebrated athlete appeared as a special guest at the gathering to mark International Women's Day.
Hidilyn's story is featured in Atom's book, in the essay 'Anatomy of Gold,' first published on GMA News Online.
According to Atom, the first Filipino Olympic gold medalist embodies the resilience and courage of Filipinas who continue to break barriers and make the Philippines proud on the global stage.
"Isa siyang halimbawa ng lakas, tapang ng mga Filipina na humaharap sa iba't ibang hamon at pinapatunayan na kaya nating manalo at maipagmamalaki natin ang ating lahi sa world stage," he said.
[She is an example of strength and bravery of Filipinas to stand up to different challenges and prove we can win and can be proud of our race and culture in the world stage.]
Atom added that having role models like Hidilyn is significant in breaking stereotypes about women and encouraging more young girls to take part in sports.
"Nakikita na nga natin ngayon eh, kinukuwento ni Hidilyn na sa mga events, palaro, at iba pang grassroots activities, dumadami 'yung mga batang Pinay na sumasali at pumapasok sa sports," he said.
[We can see it and Hidilyn tells us that during sports events and other grassroots activities, more and more young Filipinas are joining and entering sports.]
The "State of the Nation" anchor also stressed the importance of sports in everyday life.
"Ako personally, I can't overemphasize the importance of getting into sports," he said.
"Whether or not gusto mo maging gold medalist sa Olympics o gusto mo lang pampalakas ng katawan, pampa-relax, pampatanggal ng stress, isa siya sa mga bagay na may pinakamalaking benefit," he added.
[Whether or not we want to become an Olympic gold medalist or we just want to become stronger, beat stress, or just relax, playing sports is among those with the biggest benefits.]
Hidilyn began 2026 by becoming a teacher at the University of the Philippines Diliman, handling two PE 2 sections in weightlifting under the College of Human Kinetics.
The Filipina weightlifter said the experience has been fulfilling.
She also shared that it is affirming to see more women entering sports traditionally dominated by men, as well as the steady progress of her weightlifting students.
"A View from the Ground" is Atom's first collection of narrative journalism, featuring photos he took himself. According to UP Press, it is "focused on people living in the margins of society."
— Hermes Joy Tunac/LA, GMA Integrated News
