Athletes Lauren Hoffman, Emma Malabuyo, Aleah Finnegan, and Jarod Hatch reveal how the Filipino spirit fueled their determination at the Paris 2024 Olympics
The Olympics is where nations parade their finest, and there lies a heartbeat that resonates beyond gold, silver, or bronze. It’s the heartbeat of unity, a rhythm that every Filipino athlete carries with them, whether they’re on the cusp of victory or the precipice of defeat. For Olympians like Lauren Hoffman, Emma Malabuyo, Aleah Finnegan, and Jarod Hatch, the Philippines isn’t just a flag they wear—it’s a force that propels them forward, and it’s something they feel they owe everything to.
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Meeting of Minds, Bonding of Souls
It all started with a boat ride under the Parisian sky, as Lauren Hoffman recalled. She had just moved into the Olympic Village when she was swept up in the energy of the opening ceremonies, bonding with fellow athletes in the chilly rain. “Everyone was so warm and kind!” she recalls. In that moment, it wasn’t just the weather that created chills—it was the camaraderie among these Filipino athletes, meeting for the first time but instantly feeling like family.
For Emma Malabuyo, the roots of this camaraderie went back to when she was just 14, competing alongside Aleah, a friendship that blossomed over time. Meeting Jarod and Lauren in Paris was like finding missing pieces of a puzzle. “Now they all feel like family,” she says.
Jarod Hatch added that the pre-Olympic training camp in Metz was where bonds were forged in fire. “The respect, praise, and love we have for each other is something I am very grateful for,” he says, reflecting on the rare camaraderie that can only be born from shared dreams and struggles.
Unity Beyond Borders
It’s one thing to train and compete together, but it’s another to carry the weight of a nation’s hopes and dreams on your shoulders. The unity of Filipinos, both at home and across the seas, serves as the wind beneath the wings of these athletes.
For Hoffman, it was the overwhelming support she witnessed, not just from her fellow Filipinos in the Olympic Village but also from those cheering her on from social media and even from the stands in France. “The Olympic Games really were a unifying and bonding experience,” she says.
Malabuyo points to the deep-rooted values of unity and family in Filipino culture, which transcend geography. “We continue to bring our Filipino culture and fighting spirit wherever we go,” she proudly states.
Hatch, ever humble, simply sums it up: “Filipinos are the most passionate and prideful group of people. Being a part of such a proud group elevates the support that we feel in a beautiful way.”
A Community That Cares
Hoffman fondly remembers the sight of Philippine flags waving at every turn during the Olympic ceremonies, and how even in France, she met Filipinos who made her feel at home. “It made me feel so supported and loved during my time in Paris,” she says, her words tinged with gratitude.
“It was so special to see Philippine flags at our sporting events, opening ceremonies, and closing ceremonies.”
– Lauren Hoffman on the supportive Filipino community
Malabuyo echoes this sentiment, sharing how Filipinos always make their presence known at international competitions, raising the flag high and cheering with unmistakable pride.
Hatch, in his understated way, credits the Filipino community for pushing him to become a better version of himself every day. “The unconditional love and support we feel is something I am extremely grateful to be a part of,” he says.
The Future of Filipino Talent
The journey doesn’t stop at Paris. These Olympians know that nurturing the next generation of Filipino athletes is just as important as their own success.
Hoffman speaks passionately about using her platform to encourage donations and resources for younger athletes, even hinting at her plans to host a track clinic soon. “I hope we as athletes get to inspire others and contribute our time and resources to improving sports in the Philippines,” she says, seeing her role as an advocate for the future.
Malabuyo believes in the importance of providing educational tools and resources, from nutrition to physical therapy, to help Filipino athletes excel.
Hatch sees the responsibility that comes with being an athlete—to give back, push each other forward, and keep that competitive edge sharp. “Keep supporting homegrown talent in the ways that we can,” he advises, with the wisdom of someone who knows the journey well.
The Weight of “Utang na Loob”
For Filipinos, “utang na loob” isn’t just a phrase—it’s a way of life. This deep-seated sense of gratitude, often viewed as a debt of the heart, isn’t something that demands repayment. Instead, it’s a reflection of how we honor those who’ve helped us along the way. But as times change, so does the way we approach this concept. There’s a growing discourse suggesting that giving back shouldn’t be an obligation but rather a choice—an act driven by desire rather than duty.
For Hoffman, “utang na loob” is a two-way street. “The Philippines should continue to support its athletes,” she explains, adding that in return, these athletes will naturally inspire others through their dedication and personal growth. It’s not about being compelled to give back but about wanting to make a difference—using the platform they’ve earned to uplift the next generation.
Malabuyo embodies this spirit. After hosting a gymnastics clinic in the Philippines, she reflects on what it means to represent her homeland. “There’s no greater feeling,” she shares, her pride evident in every word. For her, giving back isn’t a burden but a privilege—something she does out of love for her community, not because she feels she has to.
“Having the privilege to represent the Philippines on the Olympic stage is more than enough of a reward for our dedication.”
– Jarod Hatch on giving back as representative of the country
Hatch takes a slightly different view. For him, the privilege of representing the Philippines on the Olympic stage is more than enough. It’s not that he doesn’t value giving back—it’s that for him, the act of representation itself is a profound gift to his country.
The Final Lap
As the dust settles on the Paris Olympics, the future of Filipino sports looks brighter than ever, thanks to the unity, support, and deep sense of gratitude that these athletes carry with them. They are more than just competitors—they are ambassadors of Filipino culture, torchbearers of a nation’s hopes, and living proof that “utang na loob” is a debt that is never fully repaid, but always cherished.
These athletes take their final lap, and they do so with the knowledge that they are not alone. Behind them stands a nation, a community, and a culture that has shaped them into the champions they are today. They carry the pride and dreams of the next generation, proving that the spirit of the Philippines is unyielding and resonates in every step they take—on the track, on the beam, on the pool, on the podium, and in life.
To learn more about the Filipino-American Olympians, click here.
Photographed by DOOKIE DUCAY. Creative direction by ANDREW ENCAPAS and SEAN CASTELO III. Styled by GEE JOCSON. Styling assistants ANGELO VASALLO and JASON MAGO. Makeup NIX SORIANO (Aleah), RAM DIAZ (Emma), PAIGE SENERES (Lauren), and ANDREA SANCHEZ (Jarod) from NIX INSTITUTE OF BEAUTY. Hair JESSY MIRANDA (Aleah and Emma) and ANDREA SANCHEZ (Lauren and Jarod) from NIX INSTITUTE OF BEAUTY. Editorial Assistant JOANA FERNANDO. Shot on location PIONEER X STUDIO. Sittings Editor MIA CASTRO.
