Phl torchbearers imbibe Olympic spirit

MANILA, Philippines - Two Filipino torchbearers made history recently by participating in the Olympic flame relay that went through Bury and Whitefield, two towns in the Greater Manchester area, as the 70-day, 8,000-mile journey continued its path leading to the inaugurals of the 30th Summer Games on July 27.

Marcy Reyes and Joven Mallo, two employees of the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), were chosen to join a cast of 8,000 from 28,000 nominees in the trek navigating 1,019 cities, towns and villages in the UK. Reyes, 47, is the executive housekeeper at Holiday Inn Manila while Mallo, 30, is a sales and service associate at Xin Tian Di Restaurant at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria. They were selected for their outstanding work record and service to the community.

Mallo started the relay in Bury at 2:27 p.m. last June 23. The torch was passed on until it reached Reyes who began her 350-yard run in Whitefield at 4:15 p.m. Another Filipino, Rodolfo Carlos, 38, carried the torch in Willenham last June 30. Two more Filipinos are scheduled before the relay ends. Steven Cheung, 22, will do the honors in Waltham Forest on July 21 and Reymund Enterina, 30, in Dagenham on July 22.

“I started the relay in Bury,” said Mallo who returned home last week. “We were 12 in our leg with different nationalities. The London Committee lit my torch because I was the first. I felt special when I was carrying the torch and that I mattered. While I was carrying the torch, people on the street were cheering, people from all walks of life. You could feel their happiness and excitement. During my run, I was escorted by four military marshals wearing grey track suits. I was excited and nervous at the same time. To be honest, I felt like a famous Hollywood star that day. The people were warm, they wanted to talk to us, take pictures, even kiss us.”

Mallo said he will never forget the experience. “My life will never be the same again,” he said. “It was my first time to leave our country. I never thought I would ever participate in the Olympics. I never expected this to happen. I thank IHG for giving me this opportunity to represent my country. This was a once-in-a-lifetime achievement. I’m now part of history.”

Mallo brought home the 2.5 foot high brass torch and the white track suit he wore in the relay. They were given by the London Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games.

Reyes said the torch was lit by a small gas burner. “I started the relay in Whitefield and passed my flame to a 21-year-old American,” she continued. “Thousands of residents lined the streets to watch the run. We were told that we could hold the torch with both hands or just one, that we could hold it by the side of our body and not directly in front. I was so proud to be a Filipino representing our country in the relay as the torch symbolized lighting up our world, including the Philippines, in peace, unity and friendship.”

Reyes said participating in the run was never in her wildest dreams. “I will cherish forever this experience because my family, friends and relatives were so proud of me but most of all, I felt so blessed and I’m so thankful to God for this wonderful gift,” she said. “No words can express what my heart felt during that moment when the crowd applauded while I carried the torch.”

During their four-day stay in the UK, Reyes and Mallo enjoyed the sights of London, including the Big Ben, London Bridge, Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, Piccadilly Circus and the Tower of London. They also met Philippine Ambassador Enrique Manalo and Consul Marshall Louis Alferez.

Reyes encouraged the Philippine delegation of 11 athletes to compete proudly for the country. “Our athletes should have a positive attitude and give their best,” she said. “Although they’re only a small group, they still represent our beloved country and they can also bring home the gold. But whatever happens, they should be proud to represent our country.”

Mallo, for his part, said: “They have to remember that representing our country as athletes is already a triumph. They have put us on the map. On the day of the games, do not play for yourself and the recognition it will give you but think of the honor you can bring to our country. It will inspire you to do more and reach that extra mile. Do not give up! Win or lose, we are already proud of you.”