BY REYNALD MAGALLON
It was already late at night when Carlos Yulo delivered the country’s first gold medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics but the entire nation was very much awake and alive in social media as Filipinos were as ecstatic, shocked and emotional after the momentous win.
The Filipinos on social media platforms X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram erupted in frenzy as “Caloy Yulo”, “Lupang Hinirang” and “Laban Pilipinas” immediately made the top Philippine trends just moments after Yulo topped the floor exercise final in the men’s artistic gymnastics.
Of course, leading the congratulatory messages is the country’s first ever gold medalist in the Olympics, who took to her Instagram story to congratulate Yulo.
“Yehey! May Olympic Gold tayo from 6c_edrielzxs,” said Diaz in the story which was followed by a series of collage of their respective winning moments in the Olympics.
Another Tokyo medalist and fellow Paris Olympian Eumir Marcial also took to X to congratulate Yulo.
“Our first Paris Olympics Gold Medal @c_edrielzxs congratulations ka astig,” wrote Marcial.
Former Philippine Sports Commission chairman Noli Eala also congratulated Yulo along with other celebrities and politicians.
“Only the 2nd time that the Lupang Hinirang was played in the Olympics.Goosebumps. Truly a proud moment. Salamat @cedrielzxs Olympic Champion!,” wrote Eala.
“A historic Olympic gold for the Philippines!!! Mabuhay at maraming salamat, Caloy!,” added former vice president Leni Robredo.
“Congratulations Carlos Yulo for bagging the Gold in Men”s Floor Exercise!!!!!! Maraming salamat sa karangalang binigay mo sa Pilipinas! Pag-uwi mo dumeretso ka sa Vice Comedy Club libre kana sa entrance may kasama pang nachos at bottomless iced tea! Chozzzz!!!!,” wrote host and celebrity Vice Ganda.
Of course, normal Filipinos joined the party online with some even getting emotional for the win.
“Grabe, nakakaiyak na marinig ang Lupang Hinirang!!! Congrats, Carlos Yulo!!!,” one X user posted.
“Nakakaiyak marinig muli ang Lupang Hinirang sa Olympics. Salamat sa pagkakataong ito, Carlos Yulo. Ikinararangal ka namin!,” another echoed the same sentiments.
One X account, meanwhile, pointed out how the day have been a roller coaster for Philippine sports beginning with Nesthy Petecio’s thrilling win, EJ Obiena’s slow start, Carlo Paalam’s heartbreaker and the celebration for Yulo.
“Daming nangyayari, nasa roller-coaster ang Philippines ngayong araw. From Nesthy Petecio winning against the home bet in boxing, EJ Obiena almost losing the PV final, Carlo Paalam ‘s great fight but a reverse result, to Carlos Yulo winning the #Paris2024 GOLD Laban Pilipinas!,” the user wroted
Another user couldn’t help but also look back and list down all of Yulo’s achievements with the historic Paris Olympic gold becoming the 4-foot-11 dynamo’s crowning moment.
“Carlos Yulo floor history: 2018: Bronze at Worlds, 2019: World Champion, 2021: Fell in qualifications, 2022: Fell in finals, 2023: 4th in finals, 2024: Olympic Champion. SO HAPPY FOR HIM,” he added.
Those were only the initial celebrations and congratulatory posts for Yulo. The party online however is not expected to die down anytime soon with Yulo still has a crack at becoming the first-ever Filipino with multiple gold medals in the Olympics when he vies in the vault final on Sunday.
