Filipino gymnast Carlos Yulo returned to Manila on Tuesday to a national celebration, following his historic double gold wins at the Paris Olympics. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and donors pledged over $1 million in cash and gifts, including a resort house and lifetime free lunch buffets. Yulo's victories in the men's floor exercise and vault marked the Philippines' most significant Olympic achievement since joining the Games a century ago. The euphoria over Yulo's wins comes after weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz secured the first-ever Olympic gold for the Philippines in Tokyo 2021.
President Marcos Jr. voiced the collective joy, stating, "No words can express how proud we are of you, Caloy. You have achieved GOLD for the Philippines, not once, but twice!" Jubilant fans greeted Yulo and fellow athletes with flags and selfies, leading to Malacanang palace for further honors.
Endorsements and rewards flowed to Yulo from the government and top corporations, with promises of a condominium, resort house, and other lifelong eats, from free pizza to complimentary ice cream. Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao vowed additional rewards. A celebratory parade on Wednesday in Manila is set to attract thousands and celebrate Yulo's journey from a modest neighborhood to Olympic glory. Rodrigo Frisco, a relative, expressed the communal pride, "Who would believe that these narrow alleys and small houses would produce a champion?" (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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