Filipinos show gratitude to Team Philippines in Heroes’ parade

Members of Team Philippines, led by Paris Olympics double gold medalist Carlos Yulo, during the Heroes’ parade along the streets of Pasay and Manila. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER SPORTS

MANILA, Philippines—Filipinos warmly welcomed Team Philippines back to home soil on Wednesday with a Heroes’ parade for the 2024 Paris Olympians along the streets of Manila and Pasay.

A day after its arrival on Tuesday, the Philippine delegation of athletes from France was welcomed by throngs of fans during the  “Pagbibigay Dangal: A Heroes’ Welcome for the Philippines’ 2024 Paris Olympians” parade.

LIVE UPDATES: Team Philippines’ Heroes Parade and homecoming

The Heroes’ parade was bannered by Paris Olympics double gold medalist Carlos Yulo and  bronze medalists Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio.

Joining the Philippines’ trio of medalists in the Heroes Parade were Samantha Catantan, Joanie Delgaco, Lauren Hoffman, John Cabang Tolentino, Elreen Ando, along with swimmers Kayla Sanchez and Jarod Hatch and Filipino sluggers Hergie Bacyadan and  Carlo Paalam.

Carlos Yulo waves to the crowd during the Heroes parade after the Team Philippines’ arrival from the Paris Olympics 2024. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net

As the float emblazoned with the Olympic rings traversed the streets, fans lined the streets waving tiny Philippine flags and cheered on the Filipino Olympians, who gave the country its best finish in the Summer Games.

READ: Team Philippines arrives home after historic Paris Olympics run

Yulo and the others also spent time signing shirts and other items that had been thrown into the float.

Some supporters came prepared, waving banners with witty slogans as the Filipino Olympians made their way to the final stop of the parade.

“Caloy, we are proud of you. Congratulations! Sama mo naman kami sa Vikings,” one banner read.

Fans in the crowd during the Heroes Parade of the Filipino Olympians along the streets of Manila and Pasay. –RTVM SCREENGRAB

READ: Carlos Yulo gets hero’s welcome and free buffets for life

The parade officially started at 4:08 pm at Aliw Theater in Pasay as the athletes made their way north along Manila’s streets. Roxas Boulevard was graced by the presence of the Olympians before they approached Padre Burgos, Finance Road and Taft Avenue.

The athletes then made their way to P. Quirino Avenue, Adriatico Street before finally ending the parade at Rizal Memorial Coliseum at 6:10 pm where a grand program awaited them.