VIGAN CITY – Thousands of Ilocano fans welcomed boxing champion Brian C. Viloria in his short visit here on Wednesday.
About 10,000 boxing fans, officials and students thronged the streets of Vigan to applaud the Hawaiian resident and pure-blooded Ilocano on a motorcade. Streamers and flags welcomed Viloria.
Viloria, accompanied by Governor Luis Singson, arrived in Vigan City at 10:20 a.m. Wednesday on a charter plane from Manila.
In a press conference, Viloria thanked his fans. “With your support, this would inspire me to do my best to win more boxing titles,” he said.
An American citizen who has represented the United States in boxing sports, Viloria was born in Hawaii to parents who are Ilocos natives. His father, Benjamin, is from Barangay San Jose, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, and his mother, Rosemarie Costales, hails from Nalvo, Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur. He spent his early childhood in Narvacan until he went to Hawaii at the age of 6.
“I could not deny my roots, I’m a purebred Ilocano. That’s why, when I won the WBC Light Flyweight crown from Eric Ortiz on September 11 at the Staple Center in Los Angeles, I raised our Philippine flag because this is where I started my history, my culture and my heritage,” he said.
Singson said, “His visit to our country is very timely, because despite the crisis we are experiencing, we are united in praising our very own boxing hero,” he said.
Viloria, a 24-year-old boxer, known as “Hawaiian Punch,” holds an impressive 18-0 win-loss record with 12 knockouts. He will return to Hawaii after his short visit in Ilocos to prepare for his next fight.
Vice-Governor Deogracias Victor Savellano said Viloria’s achievement draws inspiration to the Ilocano youth.
Rodel Viloria, the boxer’s uncle, said the whole-hearted support given by the officials and people of the province to his nephew has overwhelmed him.
He described his nephew as humble, responsible and professional. Viloria is a scholar at the Massachusetts State University in US taking up broadcast journalism despite his hectic schedule.
Lilian Viloria Anacoche, an aunt, thanked the local officials for orchestrate the arrival of her nephew.
Savellano presented Resolution 180 Series 2005 of the provincial board, commending Viloria’s achievement in boxing. After the short program, Viloria proceeded to Narvacan, his hometown, to visit his ailing grandfather, Oscar Viloria.
