CEBU CITY – As gymnast Carlos Yulo continues to earn praises, the man who helped him surge to global stardom will also get due recognition.
The Cebu City government is planning a grand hero’s welcome for Allen Aldrin “Coach Aldrin” Castañeda, who guided Yulo in an epic performance in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Yulo won two gold medals, a feat that only he has achieved since the Philippines participated in the quadrennial meet.
Yulo is also just the second Filipino Olympian to win a gold in the Summer Games after weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz in Tokyo.
For acting City Mayor Raymond Garcia, Castañeda played a huge role in Yulo’s historic achievement.
“The wind beneath his (Yulo) wings is a Cebuano from Barangay Hippodromo in Cebu City, he is Coach Aldrin. Congratulations, coach! You are a proud Cebuano. Long live!” Garcia said in an interview by the city’s public information office.
Garcia said no date has been finalized yet for Castañeda's return but the city is already making the needed preparations for his homecoming.
Barangay Hippodromo is also preparing for the return of its highly accomplished resident.
Barangay Hippodromo Captain Ruperto Bacolod said the they are proud of Castañeda’s achievement and a special reception is being prepared for the Olympics coach.
Castañeda was also cited by the University of Southern Philippines Foundation where he coached the gymnastics team.
With his double gold performance, Yulo stands to receive P20 million under Republic Act 10699 or the Sports Benefits and Incentives Act of 2001.
The law rewards P10 million for a Filipino athlete who won a gold medal in the Olympics.
Castañeda will receive cash incentives equivalent to 50 percent of the reward that Yulo will get.