Ginto’t Pilak is a children’s storybook about Hidilyn Diaz and her weight lifting journey. The book was published by Anvil Publishing in 2020 and was co-written by Diaz and Palanca Hall of Famer Eugene Evasco.
Ginto’t Pilak encourages kids, especially girls, to fight for their dreams like Diaz did to win a silver medal in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It’s an excellent little book to read after Diaz’s record-breaking performance in the Tokyo Olympics, with her giving the Philippines their first Olympic gold medal.
As of this writing, the book is currently sold out. But it should be available soon, on August 21, 2021. You can reserve a copy here.
Complement Ginto’t Pilak with Go Hard Girls, a podcast dedicated to the stories of Filipina athletes. In the fourth episode, podcast host and gender equality advocate Ceej Tantengco talks to boxer Nesthy Petecio, who recently won the gold medal in the SEA games at the time of recording.
Listen to Petecio’s turbulent but satisfying rise to the top as she opens up about her mental health, the prejudice she faces as a lesbian boxer, and her great love for boxing. Be inspired by Petecio’s story; stream the incredibly moving and emotional podcast below.
Go Hard Girls is available on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Patriz Biliran and Regina Peñarroyo co-run The Ampersand and write blog articles in their free time.
