“As one of the 99 percent of the population living in poverty in this country, Carlos proved that it all starts with a dream.

I had the good fortune yesterday of both seeing and awarding a silver medal to Carlos Yulo, the Filipino gymnast sensation. Although he clinched only silver medals in his second day of competition, his haul of two gold and five silver medals proves that he is currently the deserving rock star of Philippine sports. And it’s not just his medal haul that has made him an icon. It’s the fact that his story is that of millions of other Filipinos.

Like the overwhelming number of Filipinos, Carlos, despite his family name, was born to a poor family living in Leveriza, Pasay (or Manila). That’s not a posh part of town but very near Rizal Memorial Stadium. Apparently, the proximity of his residence to the stadium inspired him to watch many gymnastics events as a child. His father noticed how good he was at doing a somersault at the playground and hence, encouraged him to train as a gymnast. Like all aspiring athletes, his debut was in the Palarong Pambansa where he was a consistent gold medalist for the National Capital Region. Luck would completely change for him when his current Japanese coach, Munehiro Kugimiya, offered to train him in Japan where he has been based for the past three years. We first heard of Carlos when he won gold in the World Championship earlier this year. By winning the gold there, he became only the second Filipino to earn a slot in the next Tokyo Olympics.

It was a thrill to watch Carlos in what I thought was a gold-winning performance in the parallel bars. I’m not an expert on the sport, but I’m hoping that there was in fact a basis for awarding him only the silver in that event. But the important thing is as one of the 99 percent of the population living in poverty in this country, Carlos proved that it all starts with a dream. With perseverance, determination and patience, any one of us can achieve our dreams. That’s why Carlos is the rightful icon, particularly for millennial Filipinos.

Today, Thursday, I proceed to Subic to witness the finals in pencak silat, an Indonesian artistic and contact sport. This has the team that I have been supporting since the last Asian Games.

Standing as president of the Pencak Silat Federation is my good friend Princess Jacel Kiram of the Sultanate of Sulu, rightful owner of Sabah. Her athletes share the same background as Carlos. All of them are from poor backgrounds and yet, have survived both life’s hardships and rigorous training in their quest for gold. If I am not mistaken, pencak silat has won a gold and a silver medal so far. I’m sure there will be more golds to be won today.

I have never been an athlete nor have I been an avid spectator of sports. But when ordinary people shine despite all odds, that’s when I became fascinated. Their stories are inspiring and give us assurance that no matter how daunting the task ahead may be, the Filipino can prevail. Let’s go for more gold! Let us win as one! Go Philippines!