It was a day filled with dreams, hope, and Pinoy pride during the highly anticipated Heroes’ Welcome Parade for the Filipino athletes who achieved remarkable success at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The event was led by the three Olympic medalists: two-time gold medalist Carlos Yulo, and bronze medalists Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas.

Other notable athletes such as Sam Cantanan, Kiyomi Watanabe, Hergie Bacyadan, Carlo Paalam, and Lauren Hoffman also joined the parade, greeting their fellow Filipinos with pride.

The 7.7-kilometer motorcade began at the Aliw Theater and made its way through Roxas Boulevard, Taft Avenue, and Quirino Avenue. The parade concluded at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, where the athletes were warmly welcomed by another enthusiastic Filipino crowd.

Check out these highlights from the Heroes’ Welcome parade in this gallery.:

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Photo by: Lisa Marie David, REUTERS

Heroes Welcome Parade

As part of the celebration for our talented Filipino Olympic athletes, a grand Heroes’ Welcome Parade was held last Wednesday, August 14, in Manila. The motorcade began at the Aliw Theater and made its way through the city, concluding at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

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Photo by: Sam Catantan (IG)

Sam Cantalan

Olympic fencer Sam Catantan snapped a selfie with the rest of the Philippine team just before the Heroes’ Parade began. As they departed from Aliw Theater, they were greeted with a shower of confetti, kicking off the afternoon with joyful energy.

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Photo by: Patrice Jerica A. Beltran and Jeremy R. Edera/The Varsitarian

Jessica Soho

Award-winning Kapuso journalist, Jessica Soho was spotted among the crowd during the Heroes’ Welcome Parade.

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Photo by: Unang Hirit YT

Carlos YOLO

Together with Jessica Soho and the Unang Hirit crew, Carlos Yulo’s look-alike Andre Santos, a.k.a Carlos YOLO was also spotted among the crowd.

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Photo by: Presidential Communications Office / FB

Crowd

The Filipino Olympians were overwhelmed by the greetings from the huge crowd waiting for them along Roxas Boulevard.

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Photo by: Patrice Jerica A. Beltran and Jeremy R. Edera, The Varsitarian

Eey

Another “EEY” moment with Olympic bronze medalist Nesthy Petecio during the Heroes’ Parade.

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Photo by: Lisa Marie David/REUTERS

Heart

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo surely amazed people all around the world with his outstanding performance in gymnastics. But in this photo, the Filipino Olympian proved he could captivate hearts with his adorable charm.

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Photo by: GMA Integrated News YT

Medals

Representing Philippines’ win in the Olympics, two-time gold medalist Carlos Yulo, bronze medalists Aira Villegas, and Nesthy Petecio flaunted the prestigious medals during the Heroes’ Parade.

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Photo by: GMA Integrated News YT

Standee

Residents of Barangay 711, Leveriza, Malate seized the opportunity to greet their hometown hero, Carlos Yulo, during the Heroes’ Parade. Alongside waving Philippine flags and banners, they proudly displayed a life-sized standee of the champion athlete.

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Photo by: RTVM Presidential Broadcast

Mark Andrew Yulo

One of the heartwarming moments happened at the Heroes’ Parade was the reunion of Carlos Yulo and his dad, Mark Andrew Yulo. The father greeted his son with a banner that says, “Caloy, dito Papa mo!” Although Carlos didn’t had the chance to wave back to his dad, the two-time gold medalist took social media to reply. He wrote, “Kita-kits soon, Pa!” and “Maraming salamat Pa, masaya ako nakita kita doon nakasuporta.” He jokingly added, “Pasensya na Pa hindi ako masyado nakakaway, ang daming nag-pa-autograph hehe.”

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Photo by: GMA Integrated News YT

Angelita Poquiz

Carlos Yulo’s grandmother, Angelita Poquiz, along with other relatives, joined the crowd at the Heroes’ Parade to catch a glimpse of her grandson. Although Carlos didn’t spot her in the crowd, Angelita was still happy to see him doing well.

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Photo by: JK Carandang

PH Olympians

The motorcade ended at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, where the Filipino athletes were greeted by another Pinoy crowd.

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Photo by: GMA Integrated News YT

Carlos Yulo

During the event, two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo expressed his gratitude to all the support they received during the global competition. He also shared how proud he feels to stand with other athletes during the occasion. “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,” he said. Carlos promised as well, “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.”

 

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Photo by: RTVM Presidential Broadcast

Nesthy Petecio

Bronze Olympic medalist Nesthy Petecio kicked off her speech with the iconic greeting, “EEY!” She then went on to offer encouragement and advice to aspiring athletes who dream of competing in the Olympics one day. “Huwag n’yo po pigilan ‘yung sarili ninyo, huwag n’yong pigilan ang pangarap ninyo, lagi ni’yo pong tatandaan, sa bawat paghindi ni Lord, sa bawat ayaw ni Lord ibigay ang gusto natin, mas better ang plano ng Panginoon lagi kaysa sa atin ” she said.

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Photo by: RTVM Presidential Broadcast

Aira Villegas

Olympic bronze medalist Aira Villegas seized the moment to express her gratitude to everyone who supported them during the 2024 Olympics. She said, “We feel incredibly blessed and thankful for all the support from Filipinos around the world.”