“Bambol” Tolentino in Las Vegas: Supporting Filipino Athletes and Pacquiao
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 18 Jul 2025
L-R: Marcial, Tolentino and Costa.
LAS VEGAS, USA — Supporting Filipino athletes in their quest for glory is the life goal of Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino, President of the Philippine Olympic Committee.
Currently in Las Vegas, Tolentino is wholeheartedly backing all Pinoy boxers battling in crucial matches, especially our national sports hero Manny Pacquiao.
"Yes, Manny Pacquiao rightfully receives most of the attention due to his match against Mexican world champion Mario Barrios," Tolentino says. "But there are more kababayans battling to bring wins to our nation."
Indeed, several Pinoy boxers training in Las Vegas will soon see action, including Olympic medalist Eumir Felix Marcial and former world champions Mark "Magnifico" Magsayo and Jerwin "Pretty Boy" Ancajas.
"All of them deserve our attention, support, and time," Tolentino emphasizes. "I also want to ‘scout athletes’ because we need a new generation of young boys and girls honoring our homeland in sports. That's my blessed job and life mission."
Philipppine Olympic Committee chairman Abraham 'Bambol' Tolentino (L) poses with the author in Las Vegas.
A Leader in Philippine Sports
As a graduate of San Beda University and the Lyceum of the Philippines University, with studies at Harvard University, Tolentino has been a prominent figure in our nation's sports scene.
Serving as president of the Philippines Olympic Committee (POC) since 2019, he was re-elected for another four-year term last November, winning in a landslide victory.
Sir Bambol Tolentino leadership style emphasizes transparency, unity, and athlete-centric programs to elevate Philippine sports and support athletes in their quest for excellence.
Notably, under Tolentino's leadership, the Philippines achieved a historic best-ever performance in the 2024 Paris Olympics, winning two gold medals courtesy of Carlos Yulo in gymnastics and two bronze medals – a remarkable feat!
Additionally, Tolentino has been working on implementing reward systems for Filipino athletes, including cash incentives for medal winners and promising a brand-new house and lot for every athlete who wins a gold medal!
A Conversation with Bambol Tolentino
It was a pleasure for me to sit down with friendly gentleman Hon. Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino.
We were introduced today here in Las Vegas by our common friend coach Joven Jimenez of the Sean Gibbons’ Knuckleheads Boxing Gym.
When I asked sir Bambol, the former congressman and Tagaytay Mayor if he'd consider returning to politics, maybe running for senate or president, Tolentino replied,
"Ohhh no way, Carlos. That's no more.
“With God's help, I prefer to serve our country in sports to the best of my ability. My experience and love for our nation's athletes help me in my work.
“To me, it's a privilege, a pleasure, and an honor to serve our country as president of the Philippine Olympic Committee."
Photos by Philboxing.
The author, Carlos Costa of Cebu, is currently in Las Vegas attending the Pacquiao-Barrios fight. Carlos can be reached at carlos512@hotmail.com and WhatsApp +639184538152.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
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