Athlete-turned-TV presenter Gretchen Ho officially launched her documentary “Woman in Action: Beyond the Board,” which chronicles the journey of young Filipina skateboarding sensation, Margielyn “Margie” Didal.
“Woman in Action,” a travel-documentary program hosted by Ho, takes viewers from the bustling streets of Cebu, where Didal first discovered her passion for skateboarding.
In the documentary, Dani Bautista, Didal’s coach, recounted his early encounters with Didal at Concave Skate Park, noting that she “would ask a lot of questions” and “was super into it.”
Gretchen Ho and skateboarding sensation, Margielyn ‘Margie’ Didal
About two months later, Didal had learned most skateboard tricks, a feat that Bautista found truly special.
“The sport has come a long way, but this is just the beginning. When I’m on the board, all I think about is enjoying it. Skateboarding is not about competing or being good. For me, it’s about having fun,” Didal shared at a press conference after the screening at Powerplant Mall Cinema in Makati City.
As Didal further honed her confidence and skills, her community of skateboarders, along with her team and sponsors rallied behind her.
Didal’s career breakthrough came when she won gold at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, at just 19 years old. A year later, she won two gold medals at the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
“Woman in Action: Beyond the Board” delves deep into Didal’s personal journey, showcasing not just her skill but her fierce determination and indomitable spirit.
“Sports politics can be tricky, as everyone knows. It’s not easy to speak up. When athletes like Margie and Hidilyn Diaz complain about a lack of facilities, they’re often made to look like villains. But how can we progress and compete as Olympic athletes against superpowers if we don’t provide the basics they need?” Ho continued.
Featuring interviews with coaches, childhood friends, and fellow skateboarders who witnessed her trials and triumphs, the documentary portrays Didal’s strong support system, cheering her on as she faces challenges head-on, always with her infectious smile intact.
“Woman in Action: Beyond the Board,” available on Cignal TV, One PH, and Gretchen Ho’s YouTube page.
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