The atmosphere was charged with excitement as Philippine Olympians made their triumphant return on Tuesday, August 13. Arriving at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on a chartered Philippine Airlines flight from Dubai, the athletes were greeted with rapturous cheers from family, fellow Olympians, and enthusiastic students from Villamor Air Base Elementary School.
Among the returning heroes were Carlos Yulo, who secured two gold medals, and bronze medalists Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio. The delegation also included notable athletes such as boxers Carlo Paalam, Hergie Bacyadan, and Eumir Marcial; track stars John Cabang Tolentino and Lauren Hoffman; and weightlifters Elreen Ando and Vanessa Sarno. Pole vault sensation EJ Obiena was also celebrated.
While some Olympians, including golfers Bianca Pagdanganan and Dottie Ardina, and gymnasts Levi Jung-Ruivivar, Emma Malabuyo, and Aleah Finnegan, were unable to attend the ceremony, their achievements were warmly acknowledged by the crowd.
Presidential Honors and Rewards
The celebrations continued with a grand reception at Malacañang Palace, where President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos honored the athletes. Awards and generous cash incentives were presented, including the Presidential Medal of Merit for Carlos Yulo. President Marcos also announced that each of the 22 athletes from Paris would receive P2 million, with P1 million from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and an additional P1 million from his office. The coaching staff were also awarded P500,000 each for their contributions.
Grand Motorcade to Celebrate Success
The following day, the athletes were celebrated in a grand motorcade during the "Pagbibigay Dangal: A Heroes’ Welcome for the Philippines’ 2024 Paris Olympians" parade. The event began at 4:08 pm at Aliw Theater in Pasay, with the athletes parading north through Manila’s streets, including Roxas Boulevard, Padre Burgos, Finance Road, Taft Avenue, P. Quirino Avenue, and Adriatico Street. The procession concluded with a spectacular program at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum at 6:10 pm, where the athletes were honored by an adoring crowd.
