Filipino Olympic champion Carlos Yulo expresses gratitude to father for support at Heroes’ Parade

Filipino gymnast Carlos Yulo. Photo from Carlos' Instagram

"Thank you so much, Pa. I’m happy that I saw you there supporting me," the gymnast wrote on Wednesday, according to the Inquirer. "Sorry if I couldn't wave at you as much as I wanted to, a lot of people were asking for my autograph."

Carlos ended his post promising a soon reunion with his father.

Despite family members not being permitted on Team Philippines’ float, Mark made his presence known during the celebration. He was spotted waving and making heart gestures at his son while holding a banner that read: "CALOY, DITO PAPA MO!" (Caloy, your father’s here!)

"Caloy" is a common nickname for Carlos in the Philippines.

This exchange was particularly meaningful amid the publicized rift between Carlos and his mother Angelica Poquiz Yulo, which reportedly originated from her mismanagement of Carlos’ financial rewards and her criticism of Carlos’s girlfriend, content creator Chloe San Jose.

At 24, Carlos Yulo is celebrated as the most successful Filipino gymnast ever, according to Forbes. He is the second Filipino Olympic gold medalist and the first to secure multiple golds at the event.

Fortune magazine reports that Carlos was awarded a three-bedroom condominium worth 32 million pesos (US$558,000) in Manila’s McKinley Hill for his achievements. He is also slated to receive cash and lifetime supplies of free buffets, baked mac and cheese, and chicken inasal from several chain restaurants.