Carlos Yulo, Pinoy Olympians to Enjoy Welcome Parade Around Metro Manila

MANILA — Filipino sports fans are gearing up to celebrate the return of Carlos Yulo and the Philippine Olympic team with a grand heroes’ parade scheduled for Wednesday, August 14. The parade, initially rumored to be on Tuesday, was moved to allow for the team’s arrival and subsequent festivities.

A Hero’s Welcome

The 7.7-kilometer motorcade will start from the Aliw Theater in Pasay at 3 p.m. on Wednesday. It will wind through Roxas Boulevard, Padre Burgos Avenue, Finance Road, Taft Avenue, Quirino Avenue, and Adriatico Street, concluding at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. This route has been designed to give fans across Metro Manila a chance to join in the celebration.

Motorcade itinerary infographic released by PNA.

The Philippine team is set to arrive from Paris at approximately 6 p.m. on Tuesday, August 13. They will be welcomed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at Malacañang Palace. Following the arrival, an awarding ceremony and dinner reception will be held in honor of the athletes. The President is also expected to announce a cash incentive for the Olympians as part of the national recognition for their achievements.

Carlos Yulo has emerged as the star of the delegation, securing two gold medals in gymnastics at the Paris Olympics. His accomplishments include becoming the first Filipino gymnast to win an Olympic medal, the first Filipino male athlete to win an Olympic gold, and the first Filipino to earn multiple Olympic golds.

Boxers Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio also contributed to the Philippines’ medal tally with bronze medals in their respective events. Other notable performances came from pole vaulter EJ Obiena, weightlifter Elreen Ando, and golfer Bianca Pagdanganan, who all finished just shy of the podium.

The Philippines concluded the 2024 Summer Olympics in 37th place overall, making it the top Southeast Asian team for the second consecutive Games. The heroes’ parade will serve as a tribute to the athletes’ exceptional achievements and a celebration of national pride.

The welcome ceremony will be a simple yet significant event, with athletes allowed to invite up to four guests of their choice. Malacañang will handle logistical arrangements but leave the guest list to the athletes, ensuring a personal touch to the celebrations.

References

BAJO, A. F. (n.d.). Heroes’ parade for Filipino Olympians moved to Wednesday, August 14. GMA News. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/othersports/916803/heroes-parade-for-filipino-olympians-moved-to-wednesday-august-14/story/

Saldajeno, I. S. (n.d.). Heroes’ parade for PH Olympians set Aug. 14. PNA. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1231032