Five Filipino athletes who competed in the Paris Olympics 2024 missed the Grand Heroes' Homecoming Parade on August 14, 2024.
Among them were gymnasts Emma Malabuyo and Aleah Finnegan.
Why?
In the comments section of her Tiktok post, Aleah replies to a fan asking why she was a no-show at the parade
She says, "We were not informed of the event :("
The athlete follows it up with another reply in another user's comment, "Would've loved to join :("
Her colleague, Emma, also answers the same query on her TikTok page: "I wanted to go but they didn't tell me about it :("
Read: Carlos Yulo acknowedges father's presence at homecoming parade
NETIZENS FEEL FOR ALEAH AND EMMA
Some fans express the parade would've been so much better had they all been there, others urge the two gymasts who are based abroad to come and get their incentives.
Here are some of the comments (published as is):
"I want to apologize Aleah. You should have been there. Hope to see you here in the Philippines regardless of what happened and get your deserved prize and reward"
"Come to Phil emma and get your incentives coming from the government of the Philippines"
"We missed you on the homecoming and parade. Get your 1M here in the PH"
"Sayang at wala kayo sa Philippines. You guys have incentives too. Sana makuha niyo once narito na kayo sa Pinas."
"You weren't in the homecoming [crying emojis] I wish you, levi, and aleah were there. I would have cheered for you girls! You guys were amazing [heart emojis]"
"Inaabangan ko to kagabi sa pag tanggap ng 1m ni pbbm bat wala siya. Sana mabigay pa din."
Aleah and Emma, along with Levi Jung-Ruivivar, made history as the first female gymnasts from the Philippines to compete in the Olympics in six decades.
They concluded their Paris 2024 performance with Aleah ranked 47th, Emma at 41st, and Levi at 40th place in the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics All-Around.
Read: Heroes’ Grand Homecoming Parade, naghihintay na kina Carlos Yulo
HOMECOMING CEREMONIES
The homecoming celebrations began with a reception at Malacañang Palace on August 13, where the athletes were greeted by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the First Family.
Each Olympian received PHP1 million.
Carlos "Caloy" Edriel Yulo, who secured two gold medals, was awarded PHP20 million and a Presidential Medal of Merit, while boxers Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio, each earning a bronze medal, were given PHP2 million.
The following day, August 14, a float parade was held in Manila to honor the athletes.
Present were Carlos, Aira, Nesthy, Lauren Hoffman, John Cabang Tolentino, Elreen Ando, Kiyomi Watanabe, Samantha Catantan, Joanie Delgaco, Kayla Sanchez, Jarod Hatch, John Ceniza, EJ Obiena, Vanessa Sarno, Eumir Marcial, Hergie Bacyadan, and Carlo Paalam.
Out of the 22 Filipino athletes who competed at the Paris Olympics, golfers Bianca Pagdanganan and Dottie Ardina, in addition to the three gymnasts, make up the five of those who missed the festivities.
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