MANILA — The City Government of Manila rolled out the red carpet for double Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo on Monday.

The local government held a hero’s welcome for Yulo, who they consider “Anak ng Maynila” (Son of Manila) at the City Hall.

“Thank you sa lahat. Gusto ko lang po magpasalamat sa mga pagkilala sa akin bilang atleta. Yung mga coaches, yung mga Olympians po na-recognize po kami. Government, nagpapasalamat ako sa mga suportang binibigay at pagdadasal ninyong lahat. Ingat po tayong lahat at God bless,” Yulo said.

(Thank you, everyone. I want to thank all those who recognize me as an athlete. Also the coaches, the Olympians, we were all recognized. I would also like to thank the government for the support they are giving and for everyone’s prayers. Let’s all take care. God bless us all.)

The 24-year-old gymnast hails from Leveriza St. in Malate, Manila, where his family still lives.

Yulo was welcomed by City Hall employees, a marching band, and golden confetti upon his arrival. He was accompanied by Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) president Cynthia Carrion.

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna and Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto awaited Yulo at the City Hall balcony and joined him as he waved to the crowd.

Yulo was ushered to the Bulwagan for a short program, while signing autographs and accommodating requests for pictures.

Lacuna and Nieto handed over to Yulo the Php 2 million cash incentive from the LGU in recognition of his historic achievement at the Paris Olympics.

They also gave Yulo the approved resolution declaring August 4 every year as ‘Carlos Yulo Day’ in Manila.

In her message, Lacuna said she hopes Yulo felt their warm welcome and heartfelt congratulations through the event.

“Ang lahat po ng inyong sakripisyo, pagtitiyaga, determinasyon at sipag sa pageensayo at preparasyon sa inyong mga laban ay nagbunga ng kahanga-hangang kampeonato. Napakalaking karangalan ang dinala ninyo sa ating bansa,” she said.

(All your sacrifices, perseverance, determination and hard work to train and prepare for all your competitions have bore fruit and resulted in a historic achievement. You have brought a huge honor to our country.)

The mayor also expressed support for Yulo in his bid for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Lacuna is hopeful more Olympians will come from the city of Manila.

“Sana ay marami pang mga kabataang Manileño at mga Pilipino ang inyong nabigyan ng inspirasyon na magpursigi at magtagumpay sa kani-kanilang piling larangan,” she said.

(Hopefully, you have inspired more young Manileños and Filipinos to keep going and succeed in their chosen fields or sports.)