As part of its corporate social responsibility, United Asia Automotive Group, Inc. (UAAGI) manifested its support to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Medalists by rewarding the victorious athletes with brand new vehicles.
Held at Windy Ridge Hotel in Tagaytay City last August 18, UAAGI organized a turnover ceremony in collaboration with the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) headed by Congressman Bambol Tolentino and Senator Francis Tolentino.
Making history as the first Filipina to bring home an Olympic medal in the field of boxing, the 29-year-old boxer was gifted a brand new CHERY Tiggo 2 by UAAGI President Rommel Sytin.
“First time ko po talaga makatanggap nito. ‘Di ko po inexpect na may magbibigay po sa’kin ng kotse,” exclaimed Petecio.
Growing up in the province of Davao, Nesthy Petecio humbly started her boxing career when she was 7 years old. Because of her notable skills in the sport, she was able to gain a slot in the national women’s boxing team at the age of 15. She also competed at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea and won gold in the 2019 AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships. This year, she represented the Philippines in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and successfully brought home a silver in Women’s Featherweight Boxing.
“Lahat po ng karangalang natanggap ko, para po sa’ting mga Pilipino,” added Petecio.
Sytin has been supporting Philippine athletes through mobility sponsorships in various fields. “We thank you for the pride and glory you carried for our country. I was in tears when I saw you on TV, and I must say that the shower of rewards you’re receiving are well-earned and deserved,” addressed Sytin.
The brand new CHERY Tiggo 2 A/T variant was a personal choice of Petecio. She may appear tough and rough inside the boxing ring but the very moment her car was endorsed to her, the happy kid inside jumped out.
“Ang ganda po. [First time ko,] at excited na po akong i-drive ‘yung CHERY ko sa mga lugar na ‘di ko pa napupuntahan,” Petecio noted. When asked about her first driving destination to go to, the boxer immediately answered ‘Baguio’.
Fit for the athlete, the 5-seater Galaxy Gray Tiggo 2 A/T of Nesthy Petecio is equipped with sporty leather seats and high-capacity air-conditioning for maximum driving comfort. It also boasts of a high-definition touchscreen with Mirrorlink connectivity and reverse camera features for entertainment and convenience.
The Tiggo 2 has a large cargo area and spacious legroom for the driver and passengers. Compared to a sedan, it also has a higher ground clearance of 186 mm that makes it a safe choice for the flood and potholes of local roads.
“Sobra po ang pasasalamat ko sa UAAGI at CHERY for this opportunity na magkaroon ng bagong sasakyan. Mas nakaka-inspire po, at sana, ‘wag po kayong magsawang sumuporta sa mga atletang Pilipino,” said Petecio.
She also proudly announced, “Ito pong CHERY Tiggo 2 ko, napangalanan ko na po siya. Siya nga po pala si McQueen.”
Sytin shared, “This vehicle turnover ceremony marks another milestone in our shared goal – the recognition of the Filipino talents, and the reinforcement of eminent mobility,” noted Sytin. I hope that the CHERY Tiggo 2 would give Nesthy an enjoyable ride as sweet as her name and victory.”
Aside from Petecio, UAAGI also rewarded Bronze Medalist Eumir Marcial, SilverMedalist Carlo Paalam, and Gold Medalist Weightlifting Champ Hidilyn Diaz.