#ATLETANGAYALA with John Philip Orbeta (middle), long-time officer of World Archery Philippines and currently the Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer, and Chief Risk Officer of ACEN (AC Energy). Mr. Orbeta helped build ACES as part of Ayala’s commitment to nation-building by providing holistic support to the country’s emerging Olympic bets. (LEFT to right): Nat Perez, Noelito Jose, Jr., Prince Alejo, Andrea Robles, Pia Bidaure, Abby Bidaure, Jasmine Alkhaldi

PIONEERING batch of #AtletangAyala, who competed and bagged five medals for the Philippines at the 31st #SEAGames held in Vietnam, starts their orientation program as Ayala employees through their membership in the Ayala Center of Excellence in Sports (ACES). The orientation program was held at Tower One, Ayala Avenue, Makati City.

Fresh from their respective games, this #AtletangAyala batch bagged the following #SEAGames medals:

One Gold in Archery — Pia Bidaure, Abby Bidaure, and teammate Phoebe Amistoso (Archery Women’s Team Recurve)

Two Silvers in Fencing — Nat Perez (Fencing Men’s Foil Individual) and Noelito Jose, Jr. (Fencing Men’s Epee Individual)      

One Silver and one Bronze in Swimming — Jasmine Alkhaldi (silver for women’s 4×100 medley relay; bronze for women’s 100m Butterfly)

Win or lose, each #AtletangAyala will continue to receive full-salaried employment opportunities at part-time hours, free access to the world-class training facilities of the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub, and free enrollment in a selection of courses at De La Salle University.

“I think what made Atletang Ayala different and special is that they’re also concerned about our future not only as an athlete, but also as a person. And that’s what sets them apart because for me, everyone so far has just been concerned if I win or not,” said Ms. Alkhaldi, who also competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics and 2016 Rio Olympics.

“When I heard about Atletang Ayala, I was very excited because you know we’re not looked at and considered as athletes only. We are also considered as citizens of the Philippines na could also give back to the country not only through sports, but also in our future careers,” she added.

Ayala believes that sports can inspire and bring together a nation. Hence, through ACES, Ayala finds a way to help the next generation of Filipino athletes achieve their full potential.