August 15, 2024
MANILA – 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. PHOTO: PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER
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.
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.