LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 24: Swimmer Erica Sullivan poses during Golden Goggle Awards on November 24, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by KEVORK DJANSEZIAN / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Sunday said she was “extremely flattered” after several netizens pointed out her resemblance with US swimmer Erica Sullivan.
“I am extremely flattered and thrilled by the fun, light and even endearing comments on my supposed facial resemblance to the super talented Tokyo Olympic women’s 1500-meter freestyle silver medalist Erica Sullivan of the US swimming team,” Belmonte told INQUIRER.net in a text message.
“I’m afraid the resemblance ends there however because I can’t swim to save my life,” the mayor quipped.
A photo of Sullivan who won silver in the women’s 1500-meter freestyle event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, was posted by the world governing body for Aquatic sports Fédération Internationale De Natation (FINA) on their Facebook page.
Filipino netizens pointed out the striking resemblance of the Japanese-American swimmer to the Quezon City mayor.
The Japanese-American swimmer proudly declared herself as “multicultural and queer” which Belmonte said is “admirable.”
“I was also happy to learn that she proudly identifies herself as an Asian-American (and she speaks her Asian tongue fluently) and a member of the LGBTQI+ community,” Belmonte said.
“She personifies inclusivity and diversity, two values I espouse and embrace. And because of these characteristics, not to mention her outstanding athletic prowess, she has won my heart and my admiration,” she added.
Belmonte also called the trending post “refreshing” amid fake social media posts involving her recently.
To recall, Belmonte disowned the “fake” and “foul” photo art card with her supposed “congratulatory message” to Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz.
“Sa kabila ng mabigat na sitwasyon natin ngayon, nakakatuwa ang simple at positibong usapan tulad nito, lalo na’t lagi nalang akong nagiging biktima ng black propaganda.
(Despite our current situation, it’s delightful to have simple and positive discussions like this. Especially as I always fall victim to black propaganda.)