Before Hidilyn Diaz’s epic win at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, countless Pinoys had no idea that the weightlifter had actually co-authored a children’s book. By the time they caught wind of it, it was already too late; Hidilyn Diaz’s children’s book, Ginto’t Pilak, was already sold out across bookstores and online platforms.
Also read: Filipino Brands Celebrate Hidilyn Diaz for Winning the Olympic Gold
Ginto’t Pilak co-written and inspired by Olympic weightlifter
The book, which was published by Anvil Publishing in September 2020, details Diaz’s weightlifting journey: from her humble beginnings, all the way up to her silver medal win at the 2016 Rio Olympics. In a moving Instagram post, the Olympic champion wrote about her desire to spread awareness on weightlifting and inspire the next generation of weightlifters. Additionally, she hoped to provide readers with a sense of hope in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is one of my WHYs in life, before I won the silver medal for the Philippines at the 2016 Rio Olympics, I didn’t give up on my preparation for Olympics because of the younger generation,” Diaz wrote. “I wanted to build a Weightlifting gym for them, I built it, but what I want is to give them the inspiration to continue with their dream in weightlifting. I came from nothing to eventually becoming a silver medalist. We never know, one of these kids might be the next Gold Medalist.”
Also read: 10 Fun Facts About the Olympics That Might Surprise You
Ginto’t Pilak now available for pre-order
A mere 48 hours after Diaz bagged the Philippines’ first-ever Olympic gold medal, it was impossible to grab a copy of Ginto’t Pilak. Proud Pinoys were more than excited to score copies and share Diaz’s story with their children, younger siblings, nieces, and nephews; even adults themselves found it to be a worthwhile read and a great gift idea.
Anvil Publishing has since spoken out about the rise in demand for copies of Hidilyn Diaz’s children’s book. According to the publisher, Ginto’t Pilak be reprinted and back in stock by 21 Aug 2021. The book, which costs ₱99, is now available for pre-order through Anvil Publishing’s official website.
Here are other ways you can prepare to grab your own copy of Ginto’t Pilak:
- Add the book to your Lazada wish list while waiting for the restock.
- Follow Anvil Publishing on Shopee or Lazada.
- Follow National Book Store on Shopee or Lazada.
- Request for National Book Store to notify you once the book’s available, via their official website.
If you’re interested in getting yourself a digital copy of the book, you can already purchase the Ginto’t Pilak e-book on Anvil Publishing’s Lazada store.
Also read: 10 Online Bookstores in the Philippines for Bookworms
Ginto’t Pilak finally gets the praise it deserves
Ginto’t Pilak, co-authored by Eugene Vasco and illustrated by Tristan Yuviencio, has received a whole new wave of praise almost a year after it was first published. A number of those who only discovered the book this year expressed that they wished they had heard about it sooner.
Here are a few reviews shared on Anvil Publishing’s Lazada listing:
“Binili ko ito para ibigay sa mga bata sa Cagayan para mashare ko ang life values at inspiration ng buhay ni Hidilyn Diaz.”
“So proud of the authors. Congratulations sa inyo.”
“I look up to her more after reading this. I got three so I can also give copies to my god daughters who are still very young. Nice illustrations too!”
Also read: Must-Read Interview: Pinay Who Authored Children’s Book About Travel Will Inspire You
Since the weightlifting champion was able to bring home the Olympic gold, it’s possible that we’ll be getting another children’s book from Hidilyn Diaz; however, there are no concrete plans just yet. For now, we’ll be focusing on getting our own copies of Ginto’t Pilak. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the restock!
Featured image credit (L-R): Anvil Publishing; Hidilyn Diaz | Official Instagram Page
