It was in September 2020 when Hidilyn Diaz’s Ginto’t Pilak was first introduced to the publishing industry — the same year when the weightlifter won for the Philippines at the 2016 Rio Olympics — and now she’s back for greater good, with the book becoming even more popular.
I drew for this!! Very proud of her reading her story!!
Go support publishers over at shopee: https://t.co/iM8wReuqLx https://t.co/t8z0ynHYRa
— Tristan Y (@trisketched) July 27, 2021
Published by the Anvil Publishing, and written by Euguene Evasco and the sportswoman herself, Ginto’t Pilak dwells on Diaz’s why’s in life before winning the silver medal for the Philippines at the 2016 Rio Olympics. The graphics of which Tristan Youvencio illustrated depict Diaz’s life chronicles that give hope and inspiration to others.
In her Instagram post on September 9 last year, she indicated in her caption, “I didn’t give up on my preparation for the Olympics because of the younger generation. I wanted to build a weightlifting gym for them—I built it, but what I want is to give them the inspiration to continue with their dream in weightlifting. I came from nothing to eventually becoming a silver medalist. We never know, one of these kids might be the next Gold Medalist.”
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The ‘weightlifting fairy’ also stated that the book unfolds her advocacy, which is to raise awareness of weightlifting and for her to find the next athlete who will be better than I ever was. The book also encourages the younger generation to dream high and reach for their dream, but also that they have to work hard because there is no instant in life.
She concluded the caption with a timely statement, “I hope you will get inspired by this book especially right now we are in a pandemic—we need inspiration, hope, and care.”
The book is reported to have been written in Filipino. Here’s a short extract from Ginto’t Pilak:
“Hindi nakakapagbuhat ng mabigat ang mga babae. Totoo ba ito? Bago naging Olympic champion sa weightlifting si Hidilyn Diaz, isa siyang batang babae na nagbuhat ng mga timba ng tubig, banyera ng isda, at nangarap na magtagumpay sa isang palarong karaniwa’y para sa mga lalaki. Sa patuloy na pagsisikap at pagtitiyaga, pinatunayan ni Hidilyn na hindi lamang maaring magbuhat ng mabigat ang mga babae, maaari rin silang manalo ng mga medalyang ginto at pilak.”
(Translation: Women cannot lift heavy things. Is this true? Before becoming an Olympic weightlifting champion, Hidilyn Diaz was a young woman who lifted buckets of water, a fish tub, and dreamed of winning a sport usually for boys. With continued effort and perseverance, Hidilyn proved that not only women can lift heavy, but they can also win gold and silver medals.)
…and she’s finally taking home our first Olympic gold medal! Thank you for making us proud, Hidilyn Diaz (@diaz_hidilyn)! 🇵🇭#iReadAnvil #GintotPilak #HidilynDiaz #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/nLp7j47oNr
— Anvil Publishing (@anvilpublishing) July 27, 2021
Following her victory at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, it has been reported by the Anvil Publishing President Xandra Ramos-Padilla that the book of Hidilyn Diaz has sold out quickly on Lazada, Shopee, and their website, prompting the publisher to reissue the book. However, Anvil Publishing President Xandra Ramos-Padilla noted the public can check in National Bookstore to see if they still have any remaining stock.
Filipinos also expressed their delight about Diaz’s book to the public packed with heartwarming support:
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oh she has a children's book!! deserve!!! 🥺🇵🇭🎉🎊 pic.twitter.com/MSNWMG52pM
— Cat Aquino 🌹🍉 (@cat_aquino) July 26, 2021
We applaud you, Hidilyn Diaz, for bringing honor to our country. May you continue to inspire others with your journey.
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