POC President Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 at the Mall of Asia Arena, August 30, 2023. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA -- Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino urged the Philippine Olympic Committee to aim even higher following his re-election as the body's president. 

Tolentino won another four-year term after defeating baseball chief Chito Loyzaga in the POC elections held last November 29.

In a celebration that doubled as the POC's Christmas party, Tolentino vowed to uphold the Olympic motto "Faster, Higher, Stronger -- Together."

READ: Bambol Tolentino re-elected as POC president

"Let us continue to strive for greater heights in the spirit of teamwork and perfection," said Tolentino during the event which featured nearly three dozen leaders of the country's national sports associations at the Hotel Okura Manila in Pasay City.

"I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all members of the Philippine Olympic Committee," he added. "Your dedication, hard work and unity have been instrumental in shaping the success of Philippine sports this year."

"Together, we have overcome challenges, celebrated victories, and strengthened our commitment to supporting our athletes and nation. Thank you for your unwavering passion and service."

Among those who celebrated with Tolentino were newly-elected POC auditor Donaldo Caringal (volleyball) and Executive Board members Leonora Escollante (canoe-kayak-dragon boat), Leah Gonzalez (fencing), Alvin Aguilar (wrestling), Ferdinand Agustin (jiu-jitsu) and Alexander Sulit (judo) and secretary-general Atty. Wharton Chan (kickboxing).

Also present were Ramon "Tats" Suzara, president of the national and Asian volleyball bodies, gymnastics' Cynthia Carrion and Rowena Eusuya, cycling's Atty. Billy Sumagui, sepak takraw's Karen Caballero, boxing's Marcus Manalo and Athletes Commission's Nikko Huelgas.

Olympic boxing medalist Nesthy Petecio and Eumir Felix Marcial joined karate president Richard Lim and table tennis head Ting Ledesma as well as Rolan Llamas (kurash), Reynald Tiangco (tennis), Imelda Regencia (ice hockey) Jobert Yu and Brian Benjamin Lim (esports), Dr. Ernesto Jay Adalem (handball), Becky Garcia (dancesports), Paolo Tancontian (sambo) and Gina Avecilla (bowling).

Also present were Jop Malonzo (vovinam), Chressibel Atienza (wushu), Raul Samson (taekwondo), Jarryd Bello (curling), Charlie Ho (netball), Jonne Go (hockey), Aniceto Facundo II (skateboarding), Red Dumuk (pickleball), Jasper Tanhucco (athletics) and Jezreel Apelar (ski and snowboarding).

Tolentino had received 45 votes to Loyzaga's 15 in the POC elections, while his slate also emerged victorious.