The PHILIPPINE Paralympic contingent at Tokyo 2020 may have gone home medalless, but their valiant battle will no doubt inspire other athletes, able-bodied and disabled, in years to come.

In a trio of short films produced by the Japan Foundation Manila, the spotlight is once again on three of these sports heroes: swimmer Gary Bejino, wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan and sports powerhouse Jeanette Aceveda.

Entitled sulongthis series hopes to show another, more angels side of these para-athletes.

“It was important for us to show the ‘aura of cool’ or the athlete’s astig in order to create a paradigm shift,” said Miguel Acosta, Japan Foundation Manila project manager, in an interview with CNN Philippines.

“An athlete mentioned that people see them as kinakaawaan, so instead we want to show that they are strong, fast and skilled. When people perceive something as cool, there is a kind of aspiration and acceptance which goes along with it.

MORE SPINS

How to watch the ‘Sulong’ shorts about Paralympians

The films are directed by Al Amin, with the athletes wearing an eye-catching black and gray kit created by fashion designer Jerome Lorico.

The series will air on CNN on April 9, Saturday, after sports office weekendbut you can already watch every episode on YouTube.

Jeanette Aceveda, who suffers from retinitis pigmentosa, was catapulted to glory with three gold medals at the 2013 Asean Para Games. In Tokyo, a diagnosis of COVID-19 made her ineligible to play.

Gary Bejino, who had his left leg and right arm amputated due to a childhood accident, competed in several events at the Tokyo Paralympic Games but was unable to make the final.

Jerrold Mangliwan, who was affected by polio at an early age, was the PH team flag bearer and scored a personal best in the men’s 400m-T52. However, a lane violation appeal ruled him out of the final.

We are now on Quento! to enjoy more articles and videos from SPIN.ph and other Summit Media websites.