MVP meets Philippines’ most valuable gymnast

It was not the first time that the Philippines’ most valuable gymnast Carlos Yulo met the godfather of Philippine sports and PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, but this meeting of two greats was more special than others.

While Yulo first met MVP in 2019 after winning the gold medal in the Artistic World Gymnastics Championships in Stuttgart, Germany -- making history as the first Filipino gymnast to become a world champion -- the MVP Sports Foundation (MVPSF) had been supporting him since 2017.

“We are proud of Carlos and the heights he has reached. MVPSF has always been there to uplift athletes, so that they have a better chance in their chosen sport as they represent the country in global tournaments. We wish Carlos all the best as he pushes to qualify for the Olympics,” said Pangilinan.

Now, this reunion between the two “MVPs” marks another milestone in MVPSF’s aid to the gymnast as Yulo embarks on his Paris Olympics 2024 journey.

“I am grateful for the steadfast support coming from MVP and the MVPSF, as well as the organizations that help national athletes like myself reach greater heights. They inspire me to never give up and continue to strive for the gold as we carry the flag when we compete in the global stage,” said Yulo.

Yulo recently bagged medals at the 2023 Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Singapore, together with his brother and fellow Filipino gymnast, Eldrew.

“MVPSF’s goal has always been to provide the right foundation and support for our world-class athletes by helping them cultivate their skills to compete internationally and bring glory to the Philippines. Our longstanding support to Carlos is a testament to this commitment,” said Jude H. Turcuato, Head of Sports at PLDT and Smart and Executive Director at MVPSF.

In 2022, PLDT Inc. (PLDT), its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), and the MVPSF, together with the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP), unveiled a 2,300-square meter world-class training facility for gymnasts in Manila. This initiative emphasizes the commitment of PLDT and Smart to nation-building through sports, and to help the country attain the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG #3: Good Health and Well-Being.