Sprinter Jelly Dianne Casalme Paragile got one of the biggest surprises of her life when she received a residential unit from Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino for winning a bronze medal in the Hanoi SEA Games almost two months back.
“I was so surprised, I thought I was only receiving a cash bonus, but I was given much more,” the 24-year-old 100-meter hurdles bronze medalist in Hanoi said. “I thought I was only being recognized when I was asked to go up the stage.”
“Suddenly, Mayor Tolentino made the announcement—I feel truly blessed with the blessing from Mayor Bambol,” she gushed.
Tolentino is back as mayor of Tagaytay City after completing a full three terms as a member of the House of Representatives.
Tolentino rewarded Paragile, a private at the Philippine Army, a unit at the Bahay Tagaytay Residences Tower in Barangay Mendez Crossing East. The residential tower is one of Tolentino’s major projects under his administration in Tagaytay City.
“As a beloved daughter of Tagaytay City who has given pride and honor to the city, it is but fitting to reward Jelly Dianne for her accomplishment,” said Tolentino as he announced Paragile’s reward, which came with a P50,000 cash bonus, during the Araw ng Tagaytay celebration last June 21.
With her reward, Paragile joined the ranks of Tokyo Olympics weightlifting gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and boxing silver medalists Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio and bronze medalist Eumir Felix Marcial who now own houses and lots in Tagaytay City courtesy of Tolentino and his brother Senator Francis “Tol” Tolentino.
