Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino expresses his gratitude to members of the Filipino Community, Department of Moselle and the Philippine Embassy in France for a hearty lunch after a Holy Mass on Sunday in Metz. Courtesy: Cignal TV and POC

MANILA -- Filipino athletes are making full use of the training facilities in their camp in Metz, France, with just 21 days to go before the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. 

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino says the athletes are in high spirits at training camp.

"You can feel it in their eyes and you can see it in their actions," said Tolentino, who is heading the administrative team in the training camp.

"It's like doing what a dad does for his family," he added. "Tatay na tatay."

READ: 'All systems go' for Team PH in France, says POC chief

Tolentino, along with secretary-general Atty. Wharton Chan and training camp director Nikko Huelgas, have become familiar faces with the staff of the local supermarket and stores where they run errands and buy groceries at least once every four days for the athletes’ needs.

The first Sunday in Metz saw the team attending Holy Mass at the St. Bernard Church with members of the Filipino Community, Department of Moselle and the Philippine Embassy in France.

"It’s home away from home that makes our athletes feel better and all psyched up for the Olympics," Tolentino said of the Metz camp.

At the training camp are weightlifters Vanessa Sarno, Elreen Ando and John Febuar Ceniza; boxers Aira Villegas, Hergie Bacyadan, Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio; and rower Joanie Delgaco.

World champion gymnast Carlos Yulo also hit town over the weekend and also due in Metz are his fellow gymnasts Levi Jung-Ruivivar, Aleah Finnegan and Emma Malabuyo, boxer Eumir Felix Marcial and fencer Samantha Catantan.

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