Cover The 2024 Philippine Olympic team at the Newport World Resorts few hours after they landed in the Philippines. With them are two-time gold medallist Carlos Yulo and bronze winners Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas (Photo: Anj Chan)
The 2024 Philippine Olympic team at the Newport World Resorts few hours after they landed in the Philippines. With them are two-time gold medallist Carlos Yulo and bronze winners Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas (Photo: Anj Chan)
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The Philippine Olympic team 2024, led by two-time gold medallist Carlos Yulo and bronze winners Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas, have a series of events for their heroes’ welcome. Read on to learn how the athletes spent their first few hours back in the country
After their participation at the Paris 2024 Olympics, the Philippines’ centennial team had no time to squander—the entire nation waited for their return, especially with the thrill of their performances still fresh in everybody’s minds.
Team Philippines earned the distinction of being the best-performing Southeast Asian nation at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This year, three athletes took home four medals: two golds and two bronzes.
Artistic gymnastics athlete Carlos Yulo is the country’s first double gold medallist Olympian after ruling the floor exercise and vault. Meanwhile, boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas each secured a bronze medal.
In case you missed it: What does Carlos Yulo get for winning two gold medals at the Olympics?
Red carpet landing and Malacañan reception
Carlos Yulo and Team Philippines on August 13, 2024 (Photo: Presidential Communications Office)
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The Philippine delegation arrived on chartered Philippine Airlines flight PR8888 from Dubai. After a short reunion with their family, friends, and loved ones, they were ferried straight to the Malacañan Palace and were greeted by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos.
At the welcome reception, Yulo received PhP20 million and the Presidential Medal of Merit for his win. Bronze medallists Villegas and Petecio, on the other hand, received PHP2 million each.
The athletes who competed in the French capital were rewarded with PhP1 million each for their dedication.
“To all the athletes, I am so proud that we fought and gave our best in everything. It was our blood and sweat that we offered,” Yulo said in his speech.
More from Tatler: Paris Olympics 2024 highlights
Media appearance: Newport World Resorts
The 22-strong Philippine team stayed at Newport World Resorts a few hours before their upcoming grand parade. While the event was cut short, Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino said a few words to express gratitude to the athletes and the Filipinos who supported them.
“We were not just number one consecutively in Southeast Asia but in all aspects. From the training camp to the Paris Games, we stayed united—athletes and coaches alike. We delivered on our promises. Thank you very much to all the supporters and to the prayers of the Filipino people,” says Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino.
Related: Filipina boxer Nesthy Petecio gains Olympic bronze medal in Paris
Grand Parade: Heroes Welcome
Sports fans will catch a glimpse of the Philippine delegation as a heroes’ parade is set for them in Manila. The 7.7km motorcade will traverse the following areas starting at 3pm.
- Start: Aliw Theater
- Left to Roxas Boulevard
- Right to Padre Burgos
- Right to Finance Road
- Right to Taft Avenue
- Right to P Quirino Avenue
- Left to Adriatico Street
- Going to Rizal Memorial Coliseum
Above The official parade route of the 2024 Philippine team at the Paris Olympics. The roster is joined by Carlos Yulo, the country's first two time gold medallist (Photo: Manila Public Information Office)
The official parade route of the 2024 Philippine team at the Paris Olympics. The roster is joined by Carlos Yulo, the country's first two time gold medallist (Photo: Manila Public Information Office)
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The MMDA advised motorists to take alternative routes, if possible, to avoid the expected heavy traffic.
See also: Meet the 22 Filipino athletes set to compete at the Paris 2024 Olympics
New home in Mckinley Hill
Above Carlos Yulo bags two golds at Paris 2024 Olympic games (Photo: Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Carlos Yulo bags two golds at Paris 2024 Olympic games (Photo: Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
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On the same date, Yulo will be in Taguig City as Megaworld turns over a fully furnished condominium at McKinley Hill. The athlete was initially promised a two-bedroom condominium valued at PhP24 million before winning his second gold Olympic medal. This has since been upgraded to a three-bedroom condominium valued at PhP32 million.
“McKinley Hill is home to several world-class athletes, including members of the Philippine national teams for basketball and football. This makes it a perfect home for Filipino champions who live a life of passion and excellence through and through,” said Lourdes T Gutierrez-Alfonso, president of Megaworld, in a press release.
Above Megaworld grants Carlos Yulo a unit in McKinley Hill (Photo: Megaworld)
Above Megaworld grants Carlos Yulo a unit in McKinley Hill (Photo: Megaworld)
Megaworld grants Carlos Yulo a unit in McKinley Hill (Photo: Megaworld)
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Above Megaworld grants Carlos Yulo a unit in McKinley Hill (Photo: Megaworld)
Above Megaworld grants Carlos Yulo a unit in McKinley Hill (Photo: Megaworld)
Megaworld grants Carlos Yulo a unit in McKinley Hill (Photo: Megaworld)
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The interiors of Yulo's three-bedroom condominium unit are inspired by modern contemporary design, characterised by clean, sleek lines and neutral tones that emphasise simplicity and attention to detail. The space, which features generous hues of gold inspired by Yulo’s gold medals, was custom-curated by Megaworld's in-house interior design team.
The unit has been furnished with home appliances such as a refrigerator, microwave oven, four-burner cooktop with oven, washing and drying machines, four smart televisions, and even a game console, which Yulo can enjoy even with his friends and family during his free time.
Two balconies, accessible from both the living room and the master’s bedroom, offer Yulo views of the township and the rest of the property. Among the standout pieces that adorn the living room is a custom-made nesting coffee table that bears a replica of the gold medal at the Paris Olympic Games.
The dining area, meanwhile, features a custom dining table, which can be transformed and configured to accommodate anywhere from 6 to 8 people at a time. In addition to his unit, Yulo will enjoy a variety of amenities in his condo community, including a sprawling infinity pool and pool deck, a two-level fitness centre where he can train and do conditioning exercises, and function rooms. There’s also an outdoor fitness area, a children’s playground and daycare centre, a game room and entertainment room, a business centre, and a bar and lounge.
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Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
