19 May 2024, Seoul. Filipino cyclists Jermyn Prado, Kim Syrel Bonilla and Angelica Altamarino visited the Philippine Embassy in Seoul and called on Ambassador Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega after successfully winning in the recently concluded 2024 Giant Seorak Gran Fondo Competition held on 18 May 2024 at the Seoraksan National Park.

Ms. Prado won third place at the competition after completing the 24-kilometer race route with at least 3,600-meter elevation. Also placing in the top 10 were athletes Bonilla and Altamarino. The race, which is known for its varying routes and panoramic view of the UNESCO reserve Seorak National Park, saw participation from at least 500 cyclists from all over the world.

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega congratulated the athletes and expressed her pride in their achievements, noting their hard work and dedication. “Your accomplishments not only bring honor to our country but also serve as a testament to the strength and resilience of Filipino athletes,” the Ambassador remarked. She further assured the Embassy's continued support for Filipino athletes competing abroad, emphasizing the importance of sports diplomacy in fostering international goodwill.

During the call, the athletes shared their experiences and challenges faced during the competition, underscoring the rigorous preparation and determination required to excel in such a demanding sport. They also expressed gratitude for the support from the Overseas Filipino community in South Korea, which they credited as a source of motivation throughout the race. They concluded their stay with a series of meet-and-greet events with Filipino cyclists all over South Korea. END