ALEAH Finnegan is grateful for being part of the PBA as a muse for Meralco for the 49th Season opening ceremony.
The Filipina Olympic gymnast said she is glad to experience another part of the Filipino culture, particularly basketball, in representing the Bolts to open the new PBA season.
“It’s such an honor to be a muse for the Meralco Bolts,” said Finnegan. “They are such an inspiring team. They had great success this past season. To be able to stand by them with such high-caliber athletes, and as an elite athlete myself, it’s very inspirational to see other athletes who are just as determined.”
Finnegan became the second Filipina athlete to be named as muse by the Bolts after triathlete Kim Mangrobang had the role in 2022.
She was coming off a campaign in the Paris Olympics where she placed 47th in the women’s individual all-around qualificiations.
The Louisiana State University gymnast also said being a muse is a new experience for her.
“This is my first time experiencing something like this,” said Finnegan. “It’s such as pleasure and even sitting next to the other girls that were on stage as well. Just being in this environment, this is the definition of the Filipino culture. I’m very blessed to have an opportunity to be there.”
Finnegan also shared the stage with fellow Paris Olympians and bronze medalist Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas, who were together along with showbiz personality Atasha Muhlach with TNT during the opening ceremony.
“I got an opportunity to say hi to them and I haven’t seen them since the opening ceremony (Paris Olympics) actually. To see them, to be able to celebrate all of their accomplishments, I’m very happy to see them,” said the 21-year-old Finnegan.
Finnegan is thankful for the support of the Filipino sports fans from all over, which also led to her being named as Meralco muse.
“I’ve been overwhelmed with a lot of support from Filipinos, not only in the Philippines but also in the States and every single country that I get the opportunity to compete in. They are always supporting and it’s really a dream come true,” said Finnegan.
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