Beyond just elevating himself to Philippines national hero status, Carlos Yulo’s historic Olympic gold has triggered a cascade of rewards from the public and private sector. Yulo earned the country its inaugural Olympic gold in gymnastics and only the second gold ever, after weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz at the Tokyo Games. In recognition of his unparalleled accomplishment, a slew of local brands and even national institutions have showered Yulo with lavish rewards.
The Philippine government has said it would award the 24-year-old PHP 10 million (HK$1.35 million), fulfilling its pledge to any athlete who brought home a gold. The country’s restaurants are rolling out the red carpet, offering their hero lifetime free buffets.
Vikings, tabbed for its elaborate global cuisine spreads, has made one offer, while Yulo could also savour limitless food and drinks at Tipsy Pig branches and free meals at a number of other restaurants if he wants. Yulo will also get 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.
In fact, he might not even need the house and lot the Philippine Olympic Committee is offering him. 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 honoured 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,” chairman of the House Committee Elizaldy Co said.
With new rewards still rolling in, Yulo’s list might continue to lengthen – reminiscent of the ongoing pledges Diaz received after her historic win in Tokyo..
