FIGHTING not only for flag and country but also for an ailing father in intensive care, Mary Francine Padios delivered the country’s first gold medal yesterday in the 31st Vietnam Southeast Asian Games, ruling the women’s pencak silat seni (artistic) tunggal event.
A picture of poise, grace and precision at the Gia Lam District Sporting Hall in Hanoi, Padios mustered 9.960 points to dethrone 2019 Indonesian champion Puspa Arum Sari, who was relegated to runner-up honors with 9.945 points.
It was a reversal of fortunes for Padios, 18, who was the bridesmaid to Sari in the 2019 SEA Games pencak silat competitions held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center in Olongapo City.
“I was very happy about her (Padios) winning. Kailangang kasi ng pamilya niya. More than the glory ito para sa pamilya niya,” said pencak silat chief Princess Jacel Kiram, who witnessed the athlete’s milestone feat at ringside.
Malacanang congratulated Padios for bringing pride and glory to the country, with Communications Secretary and acting presidential spokesman Martin Andanar saying: “We are proud of you. Good luck to the rest of our athletes in Team Philippines. Long live the Filipino athletes in Hanoi.”
Also on hand to witness the feat was national team chief of mission Ramon Fernandez, who personally awarded the gold medal to the petite and pretty pencak silat athlete from Kalibo, Aklan.
“Malaking tulong sa father niyang si Atty. Francine Padio who is still in the ICU. He was in a car accident before Christmas. He was operated on but until now hindi pa siya gising,”
Kiram revealed.
She said the P300,000 incentive that Padios will receive for her gold medal from the Philippine Sports Commission will help in defraying her father’s mounting hospital bills, which has now reached P2 million.
Kiram said the pencak silat athlete’s golden feat was a fitting reward for her hard work and dedication since the national team started bubble training in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya last November.
When Padios was informed of the mishap that her father suffered, she requested that she be given a 10-day reprieve from training so she could be with the rest of her grieving family.
“But she came back to us on the sixth day, telling me that her father was still in a coma, that she was not a doctor and could not do anything about the situation,” Kiram said. “She told us that it would be better for her to practice and perform her best.
“So ang sarap kanina when we saw the scores and became emotional. True enough, na-notice ‘yung galing niya. This was given to the most deserving athlete talaga,” she added with emotion and pride in her voice.
