Skip to content
  • Home
  • Who We Are
  • Programs
  • How to Help
    • Donate
    • Volunteer
  • News
  • Careers
  • Contact Us
  • Home
  • Who We Are
  • Programs
  • How to Help
    • Donate
    • Volunteer
  • News
  • Careers
  • Contact Us
Search
Close this search box.

News

Home » News » “Atletang Magiting” gets a gold crossover with the Kia Stonic

“Atletang Magiting” gets a gold crossover with the Kia Stonic

  • Ayala Foundation
  • News
  • August 6, 2021

The Philippines’ first-ever Olympic Gold Medalist and “Atletang Magiting” Hidilyn Diaz finally gets hold of a gift in gratitude for her historic feat at the Tokyo Olympics – a top of the line Kia Stonic!

“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.

Olympic weightlifting champion Hidilyn Diaz pretends to lift her brand new Kia Stonic. The 5-seater SUV is a token of recognition as Diaz was named Ayala Foundation’s first-ever “Atletang Magiting”.

Diaz is all smiles as she takes her new car for a ride. Sitting in the passenger seat is Julius Naranjo, her strength and conditioning coach and boyfriend.

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.

Journalist Chino Trinidad joins Diaz for a video call with officials from Ayala Foundation and Kia Philippines.

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.”

Diaz shows off her Olympic gold medal in a virtual turnover ceremony with Kia Philippines President Manny Aligada (bottom left) and Ayala Foundation President Ruel Maranan (bottom right).

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.

Recognizing Diaz as “Atletang Magiting” is part of the Ayala group’s efforts toward collaboration and synergy across companies and units and an expression of its continuing commitment to national development.

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

About Ayala Foundation

As the social development arm of the Ayala group of companies, Ayala Foundation envisions communities where people are creative, productive, self-reliant, and proud to be Filipino. Ayala Foundation is committed to community development, working closely with communities in identifying compelling developmental needs and providing suitable solutions with measurable outcomes. It implements programs under the following themes: Education, Sustainable Livelihood, and Love of Country.

In 2021, Ayala Foundation celebrates its 60th year, affirming its Faith in the Filipino through partnerships and programs for community development

PrevPreviousDonation channels for Taal Eruption
Next#BrigadangAyala aids Luzon communities affected by MaringNext

Related News

Maguindanao weaving community is first stop in food assistance program

  • Ayala Foundation
  • July 15, 2020

Datu Piang, Maguindanao Ayala Foundation and the Macquarie Foundation of Australia joined hands in a food assistance initiative for the benefit of communities in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao affected by

Read More

Ayala Foundation partners with Ayala Malls, Department of Agriculture, and RestoPH for “BuyANI” Fair

  • Ayala Foundation
  • September 11, 2020

Farmers, producers of essential food items and other delicacies, and local artisans are valuable members of our communities. The work of their hands does not only provide us with out

Read More

125 years of Philippine nationhood at the center of Ayala Foundation’s new National Anthem video

  • Ayala Foundation
  • September 4, 2023

As its contribution to the continuing commemoration of the 125th anniversary of Philippine nationhood, Ayala Foundation, in partnership with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and Ayala Malls Cinemas,

Read More

Ayala Foundation, partners train 300 disaster responders in Ilocos Norte

  • Ayala Foundation
  • June 5, 2024

Ayala Foundation brought its “Maging Handa: Upskilling Disaster Responders” training program to Ilocos Norte as it underscores its commitment to climate action and disaster resilience. Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Cecilia

Read More

Ayala Foundation supports local schools, completes community appraisal and planning in Sicogon

  • Ayala Foundation
  • April 25, 2023

Four public schools in Sicogon, Iloilo received learning materials and health kits from Ayala Foundation (AFI) as part of its continuing support for the education sector. A total of 24

Read More

Batangas public school principal proves that true service can happen outside a classroom’s walls

  • Ayala Foundation
  • February 3, 2020

Bauan, Batangas On regular days, Movita Cruzat takes her role as an educator seriously. Ma’am Movy oversees the operations of CENTEX Batangas, considered one of the top public elementary schools

Read More
Facebook-f Twitter Instagram Youtube Linkedin
Contact Information
  • 4th Floor of 6767 Ayala Makati Stock Exchange Building Brgy. Bel-air Makati City
  • (+632) 7759 8288
Quick Links
  • Contact Us
  • Careers
  • FAQs
  • Privacy Policy
Join Our Volunteer Community
© 2025 Ayala Foundation, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Web Designer Philippines

Main Menu

  • Home
  • Who We Are
  • Programs
  • How to Help
    • Donate
    • Volunteer
  • News
  • Careers
  • Contact Us
  • Home
  • Who We Are
  • Programs
  • How to Help
    • Donate
    • Volunteer
  • News
  • Careers
  • Contact Us
  • 8F 111 Paseo Building, Paseo de Roxas corner Legaspi Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City
  • (+632) 7759 8288
Facebook-f Twitter Instagram Youtube Linkedin