Yulo joins Philippine Navy

MANILA, Philippines — Paris Olympics two-gold winner Carlos Yulo is now a reservist of the Philippine Navy holding a rank of Petty Officer 1st Class (POI).

The gymnast officially joined the military’s reserve force Tuesday following a simple ceremony at the Naval Station Jose Andrada in Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

Philippine Navy spokesperson, Commander John Percie Alcos, said Yulo was welcomed into the Reserve Force by Naval Reserve Command head, Maj. Gen. Joseph Ferrous Cuison, who represented the Flag-Office-in-Command, Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr.

“I am proud to have the privilege of being enlisted in the Philippine Navy Reserve Force, a recognition I never expected in my lifetime,” the gymnastics champion said.

“Wearing this Navy uniform fills me with immense pride. With all my heart, I thank the Philippine Navy for this prestigious recognition. I will uphold its core values and inspire today’s youth, showing them that through sports, they too can serve our country,” he added.

Later Tuesday, Yulo drew more accolades in a celebration dinner hosted by the Japanese Embassy at the Ambassador’s Residence in North Forbes Park.

“It was fitting for the Japanese Embassy to celebrate Caloy’s (Yulo) double victory in Paris,” Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said. “It was in Japan where Caloy honed to become a two-time world and double Olympic champion.”

Yulo was only 17 when he started to train in Tokyo in 2016 under renowned Japanese coaches and while training, he took up Literature as a scholar at the Teiko University. He came back home last year.

“For most of his late teens, Caloy has done so well in his sport and those two gold medals in Paris are testament to what he learned while in Japan,” Tolentino said.

Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya and his wife, Akiko Endo, graciously hosted Yulo, and International Gymnastics Federation president Morinari Watanabe of Japan.

Besides Tolentino, also invited to the dinner were Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann, Cavite 8th District Rep. Aniela Tolentino, 1-Pacman Party List Rep. Mikee Romero and his daughter Milka, gymnastics head Cynthia Carrion-Norton and some members of the House of Representatives and Japanese Embassy officials.