2024 Cebu Palarong Pampabnsa tennis silver medalist Althea Yzabelle and Athena Zhia Liwag. Photo from Facebook/JM Espana Liwag.

MANILA — Sisters Althea Yzabelle and Athena Zhia Liwag both bagged silver medals in their stint in the 2024 Palarong Pambansa in Cebu

The siblings who hail from Olongapo competed in the Palaro's tennis event, with Althea competing in the secondary girls' doubles, while Athena graced the elementary girls' doubles. 

But before they clinched the silver in what was their second straight participation in the event, the older Liwag said that there were other factors that they had to overcome.

"Sobrang daming struggles nung nasa Cebu kami and sa training. Yes, always may struggles. Sometimes you want to give up nalang talaga pero may mga people pala talaga na willing tumulong sayo," said Althea, who was even rushed to the hospital after the finals due to gastroenteritis.

On the other hand, Athena expressed her gratitude towards their parents for their support.

"Super important po yung support nila because every time nadodown po ako sa mga tournament ko po binabalik po nila yung lakas ko po," said the younger Liwag.

"Need po ng mga athlete ng support ng magulang kasi po mas makakalakas po ng loob po nila na lumaban po," she continued.

Meanwhile, their mother, Bayan Patroller JM Espana Liwag also shared the struggles that she and her husband Arvin had to deal with before their daughters' silver finish.

"Ang hirap at ang bigat sa puso para sa isang magulang. Gustuhin ko man puntahan si Althea mapanood kaso laging sabay yung games nila at ang layo ng venue," said JM.

She supported Athena in venue last July 13 at the CitiGreen Tennis Resort and Althea through live streaming, while her husband was present for the younger Liwag's game as a cheerleader at the Alta Vista Tennis Court.

But despite the things that they had to endure, all was worth it for the Liwag at the end of the games.

"I'm super proud sa amin ng sister ko kasi yung teamwork naming dalawa talaga and the way kami magtulungan is walang makakapantay doon," Althea said.