Carlos Yulo is king and Manila is his kingdom

The past 24 hours have been nothing but hectic for the Philippine Olympians.

Since arriving in Manila, it has been ceremonies, celebrations, and citations left and right for the athletes, especially for the two-time gold medalist Carlos Yulo, who is sometimes called by others as 'King Carlos'.

Treated like royalty, a heroes' parade from Aliw Theater in Pasay City to the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila was the highlight of Wednesday's events, as the Olympians had the chance to at least make their presence felt to thousands of supporters.

Along the streets of Manila, one stood out as Yulo's father Mark Andrew was seen jumping with the crowd in front of a banner "Caloy, Dito Papa Mo."

Minutes after, as the parade reached the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum, thousands of supporters were also waiting for Philippine sports' history-maker — and one who they can proudly say their own.

As Yulo's name was announced during the entrance, the coliseum erupted with cheers for Manila's very own gold medalist.

The present king of Philippine gymnastics was here.

He was the last to be called but his was the most important name as his achievement carried the heaviest weight. Standing side by side with other athletes, Yulo, the shortest of them all, was no doubt the biggest star.

With the audience cheering for all the athletes, it was during Yulo's name when the crowd went wild.

Yulo, who almost tripped while entering the stadium's main stage, seemed in disbelief with the scene.

"Grabe po," Yulo said, then pausing for a while as the crowd continuously shouted.

"Maraming salamat po sa Panginoon sa paggabay sa amin, pagbigay ng lakas para ipagtaguyod ang pangarap namin sa buhay. Proud ako sa mga nakatayo rito sa gilid ko, grabe 'yung motivation na nakukuha ko sa kanila at natututunan. Sobrang nakaka-inspire silang lahat."

"Mas gagalingan pa po namin sa susunod na competitions at asahan n'yo po na mas makakakuha pa tayo ng mas maraming medal makukuhang medal."

"Grabe, hindi ko na po alam anong masasabi ko, pero maraming salamat sa inyong lahat, God bless us all po."

Carlos Yulo received the loudest cheers among all the athletes welcomed in Rizal Memorial Coliseum. @gmasportsph @gmanews pic.twitter.com/DCz5Wera3u

— JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) August 14, 2024

If Yulo was somehow in disbelief, Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion said she was emotional when she saw the warm reception for her prized gymnast.

"Fantastic. It's like, I was crying, he's like my son. So touching, very touching," Carrion said.

Carpet's out with the trumpets' sound all around. Yulo is back home.

Welcome home, king.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News