Hidilyn Diaz will no longer have a problem booking her flights.
The 30-year-old Zamboanguena has been given a lifetime of free flights by AirAsia.
For the Malaysia-based low-cost airline, Diaz’s Olympic gold is not just a breakthrough for the Philippines but also a celebration of ASEAN pride.
“We want every Asean to believe that they can always make it happen.
“Amidst challenges and struggles as we go back and forth with recovery, Hidilyn reminds us that no matter how heavy the weight we are carrying, inner strength, perseverance, and a heart of gold will help us power through,” said AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations also extended their praise for Diaz in a tweet, Tuesday afternoon.
Kudos to @diaz_hidilyn from the #Philippines for making us all in #ASEAN proud with a GOLD 🥇 for the #Weightlifting Women's 55kg category in #Tokyo2020 #Olympics.
Congrats to our athletes for the amazing achievements! Let's continue to cheer for the #ASEANPride@HidilynDiazFP pic.twitter.com/cTWRzgZ8kg
— ASEAN (@ASEAN) July 27, 2021
Back in 2016, AirAsia also gave Diaz unlimited flights for five years after winning silver in Rio.
“Hidilyn is the perfect example of what it means to be an all-star by embodying AirAsia’s core values of dreaming big and making it happen,” said AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla.
“We thank her for reminding us that being the world’s best is second to serving the Filipinos. The allstar family is one with celebrating with Hidilyn and it is our great honor to serve her onboard.”
Not to be outdone, the country’s flag carrier Philippine Airlines is giving Diaz 80,000 free miles per year for life.
The difference is that PAL offers more overseas trips and has a business class.
“We will forever honor this feat by giving Miss Diaz — making her not only the first Filipina Olympic gold medalist, but Philippine Airlines’ first forever flyer as well,” it announced.
Besides this, Diaz is set to receive P35.5-million from both the government and the private sector, along with a house and lot in Tagaytay and a condominium unit in Eastwood City.
