Director Joey Reyes, John Arcilla, hope to stop focusing on Carlos Yulo's issue with mom Angelica Yulo
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Director Joey Reyes and John Arcilla join netizens' plea to focus on celebrating Carlos Yulo's achievement instead of his family issues.
The issue between Pinoy Olympic medalist Carlos Yulo and his mother, Angelica Yulo, drew mixed reactions from netizens.
As both camps released their statements online, many Filipinos, including some notable personalities, observed how the celebratory mood during Carlos's two-time gold achievements in the Paris 2024 Olympics quickly became controversial. Many expressed sadness and urged people to focus on the significance of the gold medals rather than the family's issue.
Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) chairman and director Jose Javier Reyes, or known in the industry as Joey Reyes, encourages the media to focus on Carlos's victory.
On his Facebook, he shared a photo of the gymnast's winning moment and addressed the media, "He just lifted the spirit of the nation by winning two Olympic gold medals. The people are overwhelmed with pride and joy. So please don't give media space to a drama queen mother who wants to tarnish the moment of glory of her own son regardless of personal reasons. She and her narrative should be collectively ignored."
He concluded his post with, "Mabuhay ka, Caloy! Mabuhay ang mga atletong Pilipino!"
Filipino actor John Arcilla also voiced his opinion on Instagram, urging everyone to celebrate Carlos' achievement rather than focusing on family disputes.
He wrote, "Sana I-celebrate na lang muna natin ang tagumpay ng kagilagilalas na si Carlos Yulo kahit isang buwan man lang o higit pa, kasi dahil sa kanya nakakaproud bilang Pilipino."
John emphasized the importance of self-regulation and reminded the media to practice the important principle.
He also asked, "Sa ganitong level ba talaga natin gustong i-focus ang tagumpay ni Carlos Yulo na tagumpay din natin bilang isang nasyon? Mas importante ba talaga na maka-scoop muna? Kung hindi natin ito isusubo sa masa hindi rin naman nila ito bibigyan ng atensyon."
Many netizens praised and agreed with both sentiments, flooding the comment sections with support for focusing on Carlos' achievements rather than the controversy.
Carlos was the first Filipino athlete to win two gold medals at the Olympics.
The Filipino gymnast secured the Philippines' first gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics by winning the men's floor exercise in Artistic Gymnastics. The following day, he achieved another milestone by claiming the country's second gold in the men's vault finals.
In time of his celebration, discussions about the gymnast intensified, including reactions from his friends and family. The financial issue with his mother resurfaced after the latter gave an interview about her son's victory.
In his statement, Carlos clarifies the issue. He also gave a message to his mom, "May recent interview po kayo na kino-congratulate n'yo po ako. Kung genuine po talaga yun, maraming-maraming po. Ina-acknowledge ko po yung pagko-congratulate n'yo sa akin. Pero nagpa-flashback pa rin sa akin po talaga yung mga masasakit ninyon sinabi sa akin at yung mga hindi ninyo pag-wish well sa akin."
He added, "Ang message ko po sa inyo, ma, mag-heal kayo, mag-move on, at napatawad ko na kayo a long time ago. Pinagpe-pray ko na maging safe kayo palagi at nasa maayos kayong kalagayan."
Meanwhile, take a look at Carlos Yulo's journey on winning the Olympics in this gallery:
