AFTER a rigorous Olympic cycle for the entire 22-man Philippine Centennial Team that went to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics, the country’s newest heroes will be met with a warm welcome by their compatriots. 

At about 4:00 PM, the Philippine delegation, led by Carlos Yulo, the double-gold medalist Olympian, will arrive in the country and be greeted with a brief ceremony at the Villamor Air Base.

Following that event, they will be greeted at Malacañang Palace by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who will personally congratulate them on the most successful Olympic campaign in a century.

The celebration does not stop there, as the City of Manila, led by Mayor Honey Lacuña, will hold a parade around the city on Wednesday, 3:30PM, allowing Filipinos to witness the Olympians in person.

Route for the parade

According to a Facebook post by the Manila Public Information Office (MPIO), the parade will begin at the Aliw Theater and proceed left to Roxas Boulevard before turning right to Padre Burgos and then right to Finance Road. 

The celebration will then proceed to the long street of Taft Avenue before turning right onto P. Quirino Avenue, then left onto Adriatico Street, and finally straight to the Rizal Memorial Coliseum as the final stop.

Photo Courtesy: Manila Public Information Office | Facebook

“As the country welcomes the return of our champions in the field of sports, everyone is invited to take part in this  momentous event as we celebrate Pinoy Pride!” said MPIO on the post.

“Spectators may stay along the parade route to welcome our athletes as they raise the flag of our country. Motorists, however, are highly advised to take alternate route before and during the parade to avoid traffic.”

The following is a list of streets that will be closed for the mentioned parade:

• Vicente Sotto Street – from Aliw Theater
• Roxas Boulevard & Service Road – CCP Complex to Padre Burgos Avenue
• Padre Burgos Avenue – Roxas Boulevard to Finance Road
• Finance Road – Padre Burgos Avenue to Taft Avenue
• Taft Avenue – Finance Road to Pres Quirino Avenue
• Pres. Quirino Avenue – Taft Avenue to Adriatico St.
• Adriatico Street – to Rizal Memorial Sports Complex

Well-deserved recognition

During their homecoming ceremony at Malacañang, the “Golden Boy” Yulo, as well as Filipina bronze medalists boxers Aira Villegas and Nesthy, will be recognized along with the other athletes. 

Reichel Quiñones, Chief of Presidential Protocol, announced that Yulo will get a Presidential Medal of Merit, while the remaining athletes will receive a Presidential Citation. 

Meanwhile, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Assistant Secretary Dale De Vera stated that the President will also announce the cash incentives amount for the athletes later this evening.