P21 million MVP incentives for Olympic heroes

MANILA, Philippines — The Manny V. Pangilinan Sports Foundation yesterday added P10 million to Paris Olympics double-gold medalist Carlos Yulo’s bottomless prize pot.

“Since 2016, andun kami with Caloy (Yulo) and also with other athletes. But at the end of the day, sila gumawa, hindi kami. Credit belongs to them,” said businessman/sportsman Manny V. Pangilinan during yesterday’s meet and greet with Yulo at the PLDT headquarters in Makati.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and MVPSF president Al Panlilio, Association of Boxing Alliances of the Philippines’ chairman Ricky Vargas, MVPSF executive director Jude Turcuato and Gymnastics Association of the Philippines head Cynthia Carrion were also present.

The MVPSF, which is supporting 19 other national sports associations  outside gymnastics, also awarded P2 million each to Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas for their Olympic bronzes.

Receiving the reward on the two boxers’ behalf were Vargas, national coaches Reynaldo Galido and Mitchel Martinez and ABAP secretary-general Marcus Manalo.

The MVPSF also gave Yulo’s coach P5 million while P1 million goes to national boxing coaches.

“Nagpapasalamat po ako kay sir MVP at sa MVPSF na naniwala sa amin from the start,” said Yulo. “Sana po patuloy niyo po kaming suportahan papuntang LA Olympics.”

In all, Yulo has received at least P80 million in cash, more than P100 million in total, counting the P32-million three-bedroom condominium unit at McKinley Hill from Megaworld and a Tagaytay City house and two lots from Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino.

“I told Caloy, of course, to enjoy the moment and adulation. He deserves that, he deserves the rest,” said MVP.