5-8-2024 (MANILA) Beyond just elevating himself to national hero status in the Philippines, Carlos Yulo’s historic Olympic gold medal triumph has triggered an avalanche of rewards from the public and private sectors. Yulo’s groundbreaking achievement – securing the country’s inaugural Olympic gold in gymnastics and only the second gold ever, after weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz’s triumph at the Tokyo Games – has prompted a outpouring of gratitude and recognition from various quarters.
In acknowledgment of his unparalleled accomplishment, a slew of local brands and even national institutions have showered Yulo with lavish rewards and lifelong perks.
The Philippine government has announced that it will award the 24-year-old gymnastics sensation PHP 10 million (S$229,000), fulfilling its pledge to any athlete who brings home an Olympic gold medal.
The country’s restaurants are rolling out the red carpet, offering their hero lifetime free buffets. Vikings, renowned for its elaborate global cuisine spreads, has extended an offer, while Yulo could also savor limitless food and drinks at Tipsy Pig branches and free meals at a number of other restaurants if he so desires.
Yulo’s rewards extend beyond gastronomic indulgences. The engineering construction company NEXA has committed to providing him with a lifetime of free engineering design services, while he will also receive a fully-furnished two-bedroom condo unit – worth PHP 24 million – in McKinley Hill, the largest development in Metro Manila. And with free furniture worth up to 100,000 pesos from Apollo Home Depot, he’ll have a luxurious haven in which to bask in his Olympic glory – potentially rendering the house and lot promised by the Philippine Olympic Committee unnecessary.
Yulo’s holistic rewards encompass every need, with renowned medic Dr. Virgil Lo vowing to provide the gymnastics ace with free gastro consults and colonoscopies for life. Extending into all possible facets of his life, Yulo has also earned a lifetime free engineering design from Nexa Engineering and university credits from the University of Mindanao.
To top off his already stellar haul, the Philippines House of Representatives is adding a PHP 3 million cherry on top for Yulo. “In recognition of his historic accomplishment, the House of Representatives is honored to award Carlos Yulo P3,000,000. This reward reflects our support for his continued success and our commitment to fostering Filipino talent on the international stage,” said Elizaldy Co, chairman of the House Committee.
According to the Philippines’ “National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act,” athletes who secure a gold medal are entitled to 10 million pesos (approximately S$229,000), while silver and bronze medalists receive 5 million and 2 million pesos, respectively. Additionally, the Philippine House of Representatives has announced that they will award Carlos Yulo with a bonus of 3 million pesos (around S$68,600).
