NARVACAN, Ilocos Sur — World Boxing Council light flyweight champion Brian Viloria returned to his home province on Wednesday carrying the pride of his heritage.
“I am proud to be a Filipino, I am proud to be a son of Narvacan where I grew up,” a teary eyed Viloria said during a speech to local officials and residents who welcomed him.
He said he did not realize how much the ring victories that he, Manny Pacquiao and Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista had achieved meant to their fellow Filipinos.
“As we put our lives on the line, every one was united, as Filipinos. I was so proud,” said the Hawaii-born Viloria. “I did not realize how much impact our fight and our victories had for Filipinos. I am so honored to be a part of the three people who [were instrumental in creating] peace, even for an hour or two, in the Philippines.”
Viloria’s father, Benjamin, is a native of Barangay San Jose here while his mother, Rosemarie, hails from Barangay Nalvo in Santa Maria town.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Ilocos Sur provincial government lauded Viloria for the honor he gave to the province.
Viloria, in his 12-minute speech, talked about his Filipino heritage.
“Just because on paper I was born in the US, how dare you not call me a Filipino? When I look at the mirror every day, I see a Filipino boy,” he said.
Viloria, who represented the United States in the Olympics and in earlier professional fights, said he draped the Philippine flag on his shoulders when he won the belt because he was proud of his roots.
He vowed to return to his hometown.
