Screengrab of a MILO commercial featuring two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo in this video posted by the sports drink on YouTube on Jan. 22, 2020 (NestlePH/YouTube)
Did the “CEO” of a popular energy drink issue a comment about two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo‘s endorsement?
Facebook accounts have been claiming that the “CEO” of MILO commented on their supposed removal of the gymnast star as a brand ambassador and that they are a “family-oriented” brand.
“Ayon sa kanya, ang tunay na tagumpay ay hindi lamang nakabatay sa mga medalya o sa mga natamong premyo, kundi sa mas mahalagang aspeto tulad ng pagpapakumbaba, utang na loob, at pagiging mabuting tao,” Facebook page “Busy Buzz” said on Saturday, September 21.
“May mas malalim itong kahulugan na may kaugnayan sa ugali at reputasyon ng isang tao,” the page added.
The page also accompanied its post with a quote card with the words: “Opisyal na tinanggal si Caloy: ‘Milo is a family-oriented brand.’”
(Screengrab by Interaksyon via Facebook/Busy Buzz)
The post was copied and shared by other Facebook accounts, reaching a Filipino claiming to have a cousin who works for Nestle.
MILO is a chocolate malt energy drink produced by Nestle, a Swiss multinational company.
“This is FAKE NEWS. There’s no official statement from Milo and the guy on the left is not associated with Milo or Nestle,” an online user said on Reddit on Tuesday, September 24.
“Nestle will never release statements like this as news and will always keep things professional between the brand and its chosen ambassadors,” the Redditor added.
MILO, being a brand under a company, does not have a CEO.
The CEO of its company, Nestle, is Laurent Freixe.
Meanwhile, the CEO and chairman of Nestle Philippines is Kais Marzouki.
There are no reports stating that Freixe had commented about Carlos’ MILO endorsement.
There are also no reports or interview of Marzouki commenting on the topic.
Some social media users also said that the picture used in the quote card was that of Josip Rupena, a CEO of a financial technology company called Milo.
In 2020, Nestle Philippines released an advertisement for MILO featuring Carlos.
It highlighted his journey as a gymnast, with his younger version played by his real-life younger brother, Karl Eldrew Yulo.
MILO has no recent statement or comment about Carlos’ endorsement so far.
Meanwhile, Asia’s top pole vaulter EJ Obiena recently renewed his deal as its brand ambassador.
MILO Sports head Carlo Sampan said earlier this month that they “wish to continue the legacy and inspire millions to succeed in sports and life” by continuing their partnership with the pole vault sensation.
“He (EJ) has proven his mettle and what brought him here is a journey marked by challenges and setbacks which became stepping stone to greatness,” Sampan added.
MILO is renowned as a sports drink brand that advocates for the empowerment of Philippine sports, especially its athletes.
The energy drink has been supporting grassroots sports in the country since 1964 with programs like the National MILO Marathon, MILO Sports Clinics, MILO Little Olympics, and the MILO Champ Camp.
