The Grand Homecoming Parade for the Paris Olympians on Wednesday brought hopeful signs of reconciliation for Carlos Yulo and his family, who had grown estranged over time, especially at the height of the Paris Olympics competition.
Thousands of supporters cheered as the float carrying the double Olympic gold medalist and his fellow Olympians made their way through the streets of Manila.
However, one image stood out—Yulo’s father, Mark Andrew Yulo, perched on the shoulders of friends, looking elated and waving both hands to catch his son’s attention. Behind him, a small banner read: “CALOY DITO PAPA MO” (Caloy, your father is here).
Though Yulo didn’t visibly react, he later shared a social media post from influencer Jack Logan, expressing his gratitude: “Maraming salamat Pa, masaya ako nakita kita don nakasuporta! Pasensya na pa, hindi ako masyado nakakaway, ang daming nagpa-autograph hehe.” (“Thank you, Pa, I’m happy I saw you there supporting! Sorry I couldn’t wave more, so many were asking for autographs hehe.”)
While no plans have been made yet, Yulo vowed to meet his father soon, adding, “Kitakits soon Pa, Mark Andrew Yulo.” (See you soon, Pa.)
In the coming days, the 24-year-old gymnastics star will continue to receive accolades, including recognition from the Manila City government and private sponsors. A special ceremony is scheduled for Monday, August 19, at the Manila City Hall, where Mayor Honey Lacuna will present Yulo with a P2 million cash incentive in honor of his achievements.
To further celebrate Yulo’s Olympic success, the city plans to declare August 4 as “Carlos Yulo Day.” This announcement follows Yulo’s earlier receipt of P14 million from Congress, P3 million from Megaworld Corporation, and a luxurious condominium unit.
“Super blessed and super happy for the recognition na binigay nila sa amin. Maraming salamat. Super masaya, overwhelmed sa mga nangyayari ngayon. Nagpapasalamat ako sa Diyos sa pinapa-experience niya sa akin, sa mga ganitong bagay,” said Yulo in a statement.
(“I feel super blessed and happy for the recognition given to us. Thank you so much. I’m overwhelmed with everything that’s happening. I’m grateful to God for letting me experience these kinds of things.”)
The parade covered a 7.7-kilometer route from Aliw Theater in Pasay City to the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila, where the Olympians were presented to a crowd of mostly students from various Metro Manila schools. Along the way, fans cheered for Yulo and his fellow athletes, throwing items for autographs as the floats passed by.
When the parade reached Adriatico Street near Yulo’s childhood home in Leveriza, the streets were crowded with supporters. However, Yulo’s other family members—his mother, siblings, and grandfather Rodrigo Frisco—were noticeably absent.
Frisco explained that the family chose to support Yulo from home, citing disappointment at not being invited to the Presidential welcome at Malacañang the previous night. “We had planned to attend, but we realized it might be disheartening since we weren’t even welcomed when he arrived. What more if we were there? We’d feel like just fans,” Frisco shared. “That’s why we decided not to join him on the float during the parade.”
Despite their absence, Yulo’s family remains proud.
Frisco, who played a crucial role in recognizing Yulo’s talent and bringing him to the national gymnastics gym at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex for formal training, continues to support his grandson’s journey. It was at this gym that gymnastics chief Cynthia Carrion discovered Yulo and helped shape him to become the country’s top gymnast and Olympic champion.
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