First Gentleman hosts dinner for Pinoy athletes

KUALA LUMPUR – The First Gentleman, Mike Arroyo, gives the Philippine campaign in the 21st Southeast Asian Games a boost when he hosts a dinner for officials and athletes today at the Crown Princess hotel here.

It’s the first time in memory that a Filipino sportsman of Mr. Arroyo’s stature is honoring the athletes before they see action in the sportsfest, which unwraps on Saturday.

"This is going to inspire our athletes in their bid to win honor and glory," said RP delegation chief of mission Godofredo Jalasco of the affair. "With no less than the First Gentleman honoring them, the athletes will realize that the whole country is behind them."

More than 300 athletes carry the RP colors, but only those competing in events scheduled here will grace tonight’s affair, together with Ambassador Jose Brillantes, Congressman Monico Puentevella, Philippine Olympic Committee president Celso Dayrit, Philippine Sports Commission chair Carlos Tuason and Presidential son Jose Miguel Arroyo.