AND THE FAITH FILIPINO
The Miraculous Medal was actually given by Hidilyn Diaz’s friend, David Panlilio, who was said to have prayed the nine-day novena as Diaz geared up for the Tokyo Olympics. Diaz herself prayed the novena, taking to heart the explanation of Fr. Thirdee Caballero on the Miraculous Medal.
Filipino woman weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz was waiting to receive her record-breaking gold medal on 26 July at the Tokyo Olympics when she reached for her necklace and raised up the pendant.
It was the Miraculous Medal.
Originally called the Medal of the Immaculate Conception, the Miraculous Medal is a devotional emblem of the Catholic faith. Its design is based on how French nun St. Catherine Laboure described the Virgin Mary’s second apparition to her in 1830 at the Rue de Bac Chapel in Paris.
The website miraculous medal. org described the religious object’s design: “Framing the apparition was an inscription (prayer): ‘O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.’ When Mary spoke to St. Catherine, she said, ‘Have a medal struck upon this model. Those who wear it will receive great graces, especially if they wear it around the neck. Those who repeat this prayer with devotion will be, in a special manner, under the protection of the Mother of God. Graces will be abundantly bestowed upon those who have confidence.”
In media interviews following Diaz’s victory, the 30-year-old Zamboanga native said she believed the Miraculous Medal helped her achieve her goal of winning the gold.
The Miraculous Medal was actually given by her friend, David Panlilio, who was said to have prayed the nine-day novena as Diaz geared up for the competition. Diaz herself prayed the novena, taking to heart the explanation of Fr. Thirdee Caballero on the Miraculous Medal. The weightlifting champion was heard praising God moments after she was declared the winner in the 55kg class, setting a world record of 127kg. The struggle to lift such back-breaking weight was written on Diaz’s face as she winced and her feet shuffled to maintain her balance.
It was no mean feat, a magnificent demonstration of strength and power. To Marian devotees, it was something that needed a spiritual lift to fully achieve.
In a nutshell: Faith can move mountains. Better yet: God helps those who help themselves.
Creative Industries Philippines
The inspiring sight of people helping themselves and their colleagues is happening all over the country, especially groups struggling to rise amid the pandemic.
One such group, artists from diverse fields, has banded together and called itself Creative Industries Philippines (CIP).
Led by the likes of Lea Salonga, Ryan Cayabyab, Kenneth Cobonpue, Lav Diaz, Carissa Cruz Evangelista, Amina Aranas Alunan, Tweetie de Leon Gonzalez, Patty Betita, Carmina Sanchez Jacob, Margarita Gutierrez, JC Buendia and Jackie Aquino, CIP is asking the Philippine Creative Industries Development Bills be prioritized on the legislative agenda for the third and final regular session of the 18th Congress.
The CIP is pushing for recognition as a new economic engine with a full compensation structure and equal benefits system.
Exclusive Broadcast/ Exhibition Rights
Filipino international concert promoter Renen de Guia and wife Celinda are venturing in a new project.
The couple’s new Philippine-based company, TAP Digital Media Ventures Corp. (TAP DMV) has signed a License Agreement with boxing legend Manny Pacquiao to secure Exclusive Broadcast/ Exhibition Rights for his upcoming fight against undefeated WBC and IBF Welterweight champion Errol Spence, Jr.
The match will be held on 22 August (PH time) in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Boxing fans in the country can watch the fight on TapSPORTS, TapEDGE, Premier Tennis and Premier Football available on SkyCable, Cignal, Air Cable and CableLink.
The fight will also be aired on GMA, Tap’s free-to-air telecast partner.
Fans can likewise watch it without ads on Pay-Per-View through their cable television providers.
As a special offer, Tap DMV is making the Pacquiao vs Spence fight available for free by subscribing to TapGO, Tap’s Sports and Entertainment subscription streaming service.
“We are excited to be working with Manny Pacquiao and we are grateful for the opportunity to bring this superfight to Filipino fans amid the challenges brought about by the pandemic,” said TAP DMV president and CEO Celinda de Guia.
“It is a great honor for our team to be part of the continuing legacy of one of boxing’s all-time greats. We are truly proud to be a part of this historic fight,” said TAP DMV chair Renen de Guia.
The deal was formally signed with Pacquiao at 2 a.m. just a few days ago, according to a Facebook post by Renen.