Hidilyn Diaz open to a career in showbiz

Olympic silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz is open to a career in show business if it won't get in the way of her training as a weightlifter.

In a press conference at her residence in Mampang, Zamboanga City, Diaz was asked if she would follow in the footsteps of the Filipino Olympic medalist before her, boxer Mansueto "Onyok" Velasco.

"Hindi ko po alam. Kung meron, bakit hindi, 'di ba?" Diaz said laughing.

"Siguro kailangan ko lang may mag-manage ng time kasi priority ko ang training talaga," she added.

Velasco became a comedian after his stint at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, where he won a silver medal for boxing in the 48-kilogram light flyweight division.

Diaz has said she had no plans to retire just yet, despite her multi-million prize.

She also said she was hoping to make her fourth Olympic appearance in Tokyo, Japan in 2020, when she would be aiming for a gold medal.

The first Filipina and Mindanaoan to win in the Olympics said she was planning to take a break before heading back to training.

"After nito, siguro magbakasyon muna. Then light training... then balik ulit [sa] training," Diaz said.

Diaz is set to get at least P5 million as part of the country's incentive program for Olympic winners.

President Rodrigo Duterte has added P2 million to this incentive.

Diaz had said she planned to buy a lot adjacent to her family's residence in Zamboanga City to build a weightlifting gym for kids.  — Rose-An Jessica Dioquino/NB, GMA News