NEW Clark City – Winning the Southeast Asian Games pole vault gold came with another sweet victory for Natalie Uy: the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing mango float.

“I love chicken adobo, ube ice cream, and mango float. I love discovering this side of myself,” she said to SPIN Life.
This is only the Ohio-based athlete's third time to visit her father's homeland. The 25-year-old vaulter has found delight uncovering a part of her culture that she’s always been yearning to find out more about.
“My father is from Cebu," she explained. "It’s been a long journey to come here, and I must say it must really be a dream come true coming into the Philippines and learning about my culture, and learning about who I am, and I can’t even express how happy I am."
She was quick to appreciate the trademark Filipino hospitality, which she's witnessed first-hand.

“I have witnessed that Filipinos are fun to be around," Uy said. "They’re so welcoming, they’re happy, and they love life. I love having discovered this part of me, I grew up in the States, but this is my culture, I wanted to represent it in the best of my ability.”
Ever since she started representing the country in athletics, she's warmed up to the unique boost that comes with repping Philippine colors. “I have support in the States as well, but it’s a different type. The Philippines has given me an immense amount of support and that is absolutely incredible, I’ll miss the crowd,” she shared.
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