PH Embassy, Filipino Community Celebrate Paris 2024 with Olympics Double Gold Medalist
Double gold medalist Carlos Yulo celebrates victory with the Filipino community at the Philippine Embassy in Paris.
PARIS 14 August 2024 – The Philippine Embassy in France held a thanksgiving celebration on 10 August 2024 in honor of the success of the country’s participation in the historic Paris 2024 Olympics. World-class gymnast Carlos Edriel Yulo, who won two gold medals in Men’s vault and floor exercise, graced the event on behalf of the Filipino Olympians. Senator Francis Tolentino, Philippine Sports Commission Chairperson Richard Bachman, Philippine Olympics Chef de Mission Gov. Jonvic Remulla, and PH National Gymnastics Association President Cynthia Carrion Norton, also attended the celebration.
The celebration commenced with a mass officiated by Fr. Leo Balaguer, chaplain of the Philippine Catholic Mission in Paris, who blessed Yulo’s medals. Fr. Balaguer reflected on the spiritual journey of the Filipino Olympic team, noting that the Embassy and community had previously held masses in Metz to welcome the delegation to France and at l’Église de la Madeleine during the games. He emphasized the significance of concluding the Olympic journey with a mass to honor the athletes’ success.
As the Paris 2024 Olympics nears its conclusion, the Embassy and the Filipino community expressed deep gratitude and congratulations to the Philippine team. In her victory toast, Philippine Ambassador Junever Mahilum-West, underscored the importance of celebrating this historic achievement, which includes two gold medals by Yulo and two bronze medals by Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio in boxing. She also highlighted that Paris 2024 marks a significant milestone for the Philippines, not only because of the country's best Olympic performance to date but also as it commemorates the centennial anniversary of the Philippines' participation in the Olympics and the return of the Games to Paris after 100 years.
“Nagpapasalamat po ako kay Lord na ‘di niya ako pinabayaan at binigyan niya ako ng mga taong tutulong sa akin,” Carlos Yulo told the community. Community leader Annie Estrecomen expressed the support and congratulations from Filipinos in Paris who have tirelessly cheered our athletes.
During the celebration, Paris-based Filipino musicians serenaded guests with their soulful rendition of the iconic L’hymne à l’amour in French-Filipino version and Tagumpay ng Ating Lahi among other classic Filipino music. The songs are an ode to the athletes’ Paris 2024 journey and the pride and honor they brought to the country.
Medalists Carlos Yulo and Aira Villegas are the Philippines flag bearers at the Paris 2024 closing ceremony on 11 August 2024. END
Filipino chaplain in Paris, Fr. Leo Balaguer, blesses Carlos Yulo during the thanksgiving mass.
Ambassador Mahilum-West addresses the community and congratulates Carlos Yulo and the Philippine team for the success in the Paris 2024 Olympic.
Carlos Yulo addresses members of the press.
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