Magnolia star Paul Lee receives ‘Gawad Manileño’ trophy for sports

The Magnolia Hotshots’ player in the Philippine Basketball Association received the “Natatanging Manileño sa Larangan ng Sports” award from Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna and Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto during the Gawad Manileño 2024 awards ceremony.

The event was held at the historic Metropolitan Theater, where Mayor Lacuna and other city officials honored exceptional individuals, who have made significant contributions to Manila in their respective fields.

“Maraming salamat po Mayor @doktorahoneylacuna, Vice Mayor @yulservonieto, and the whole City of Manila sa award na pinagkaloob niyo po sakin,” said Lee, who is also a former member of the National Gilas team.

“Ito ‘yung dahilan bakit lagi kong sinisipagan sa trabaho ko kasi alam ko may mga taong puwedeng ma-inspire sa ginagawa ko,” said Lee, who was born and raised in the tough neighborhood of Tondo.“Again, maraming salamat po sa pag-recognize sakin at sa hard work ko. Another milestone sa isang batang taga-Tondo na walang ginawa kundi mangarap lang. Proud Manileño. #AngasNgTondo

Lee has had a remarkable career, leading the Philippine national team to a bronze-medal finish in the 2014 FIBA Asia Cup by sinking three crucial free throws against host China with no time remaining.

He is a three-time PBA champion with Rain or Shine and Magnolia Hotshots, a PBA Finals MVP in the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup, the PBA Best Player of the Conference in the 2018 Governor’s Cup, and a 10-time PBA All-Star, earning the All-Star Game MVP title in 2023.

Lee was among the distinguished list honored as part of the City of Manila’s 453rd founding anniversary celebrations.

“We honor individuals and organizations who have demonstrated excellence in their fields and served as role models and inspirations to our fellow citizens. They are our Modelong Manilenyo,” Lacuna stated.

— Randy Caluag