If I had magical powers, I’d build a Caloy Yulo monument at Luneta

By Matias Dennis U. Eroa

What has the world come to?

If have magical powers,I will create a monument for history-making Carlos “His Airness” Yulo. The gigantic Yulo didn’t just make us proud but opened the eyes of the world to our talent and capability to take center stage in the world of sports. Caloy is Maharlika.

Yulo, who grew up in the poor neighborhood of Leveriza which made Rizal Memorial Sports Complex accessible, is a national treasure, to borrow the words of House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

“His remarkable performances at the Paris Olympics is a testament to his hard work, perseverance and exceptional skills. His victories inspired million of Filipinos, especially the youth to pursue their dreams with passion and determination. We will continue to to support and invest in our sports programs to nurture and develop world-class athletes like Caloy,” said Speaker Romualdez.

Caloy Yulo with Congressman Bambol Tolentino

I will put Yulo monument at Luneta for all the masses to see. I bet Caloy’s monument will be a tourist attraction and is going to be a must-see for those visiting the dizzying Big City. I will be the first to pose for picture.

But then I am in a state of sadness and disappointment because of the rift between Caloy and his parents, most notably his mother Angelica.

Take note that Caloy and Angelica’s falling out has now become main dish in social media. The hangers on are feasting on the issue and I am angry that bloggers delight in twisting issues surrounding the rift.

What a shame! Take note that after achieving his golden performances in the floor and vault, Caloy thanked a lot of people for his Paris Golden Show, but he failed to mention his parents.

And that’s unfortunate.

Caloy, our hero, read this Bible verse. I have no doubt that the rift with your mother brought about by your love and devotion to a lovely Fil-Australian blogger named Chloe will be over soon.

“Pay close attention, my child, to your father’s wise words and never forget your mother’s instructions. For their insight will bring you success, adorning you with grace-filled thoughts and giving you reins to guide your decisions.“Proverbs 1:8-9:

Motherly love is unconditional, deep and eternal, Angelica only wants the best for you Caloy and never forget that you came out from her womb.

You will be showered with million of pesos, properties and countless opportunities upon your return, but I appeal to you not to forget Angelica’s love and devotion. Also please include in your thank you list Japanese coach Munehiro Kugimiya, who shaped you into a world-beater and the Filipinos all over the world, who supported you.

“Bear with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgive each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”Colossians 3:13:

I also have these wishes. Continue polishing your craft and never forget your humble beginnings. Watch your diet because of the lifetime treats given by your supporters. And the most important of all: Don’t enter showbiz.

EJ Obiena with POC President Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino. — EJ Obiena with POC President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.

EJ Obiena’s still our hero

Despite missing the podium in Paris, pole vaulter EJ Obiena remains a shining example for budding athletes with his attitude. Truly a sportsman.

It is terribly frustrating not just for EJ but to his fans who watched him finish at fourth place, but I am confident that he will continue to give pride and glory to the country

Let me also congratulate the Philippine Sports Commission headed by Dickie Bachmann and Philippine Olympic Committee chief Bambol Tolentino for their tireless work and dedication to give our Olympians the best treatment possible. The PSC and the POC displayed the needed synergy to assure that there will be no distraction for the Philippine delegation. Huge congrats to POC and PSC. Continue working hand in hand for the sake of Pinoy athletes.

As of this writing, boxers Nesthy Petacio and Aira Villegas remain in contention for gold medals.

Indeed, the Philippine campaign in memorable!

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Dennis Eroa

Columnist at Sports Bytes PH

After 25 years of working with the Inquirer Group of Companies, Dennis decided to make an early retirement due to the pandemic. Formerly a college editor of UE’s The Dawn, Dennis learned the craft from the country’s leading chroniclers of sports namely Recah Trinidad, Al Mendoza,Jimmy Cantor, Chito Manuel and the late Larry Galvez, Doc Inigo and Tito Tagle. In the early 90s, Dennis became a section editor of Riyadh Daily, Saudi Arabia’s first English newspaper. He is an active member and officer of the Philippine Sportswriters Association, Tabloids Organization in Philippines and the Sports Communicators Organization in the Philippines, He covered local and international sporting events while working at Sports Flash, Malaya, Headline, Evening Standard, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Libre and Bandera.