Milo Olympics also builds champion coach with a heart of gold

CEBU, Philippines - At times in life, the greatness of a man is measured not by the breadth of his accomplishments but by a simple act of kindness.

Such proverbial line could be attributed to decorated table tennis coach Jessica Jawad-Honoridez, who has done a selfless and praise-worthy deed to some athletes from Luzon who took part in the historic first ever Milo Little Olympics National Championships recently.

In an immensely inspiring story, Honoridez is supposed to throw a party for her birthday next month but instead, she spent the money for that purpose in buying ‘pasalubong’ for the athletes whose families were hit hard by the wrath of tropical storms Ondoy and Pepeng that pummeled Metro Manila and several Luzon provinces a few weeks ago.

Right after the send-off bash where all the participants were treated to a sumptuous dinner and a live band entertainment, Honoridez rushed to a popular ‘Pasalubong’ center and bought assorted delicacies Cebu is best known for such as otap, rosquillos and dried mangoes among others. She had then the 16 boxes of goodies delivered to the billeting center of the Luzon delegation to the delight of everyone.

Although it was her own little way of showing sympathy and compassion to those who are in dire need of help, Honoridez also want to let everybody know how the Cebuanos care for their fellow countrymen.

“From the very start of the competition, it was really my intent to extend help to the athletes from Luzon in any way I possibly could. God must have heard me. It’s our chance to help and give joy to those athletes who are in need,” said Honoridez even as she thanked her husband Allan for chipping in a certain amount.

Self-effacing as she is, Honoridez did not want her philanthropic work to be known but she eventually gave in to the polite request of this writer to jot down a piece about it with hopes that it would serve as an inspiration for others to emulate. Afterall, hers was a heart-wrenching tale worth telling for.

While sharing what transpired when she met the rest of the players, Honoridez could not contain her tears saying she could have given more if she only had enough. At one point, she was deeply touched upon hearing one athlete say, “Hay salamat, may pasalubong na rin kami kay nanay (Thanks a lot, we already have something for our mother.”

At that moment, her heart overflows with happiness and her eyes were sparkling with pride.

“The hugs and smiles I got from the athletes, coaches and officials around were more than enough an advance birthday gift for me,” said Honoridez.

For what she has accomplished, Honoridez just reminded everyone that she was once a recipient of the Sportswriters Association of Cebu’s “ORLACSAN Memorial Award”, a prestigious commendation bestowed upon those individuals who go extra mile in helping athletes.

And as the old adage trumpets that “Service to humanity is the best work of mankind,” Honoridez could be even more prouder to have carried out that noble mission and make a difference.   (FREEMAN NEWS)