Photographed by Aniela Tolentino
In her photo diary, Aniela Tolentino features the indomitable spirit of Filipino athletes, capturing moments that transcend the competition.
The 2024 Paris Olympics marked a historic milestone for the Philippines. In the nation’s 23rd year of participation, gymnast Carlos Yulo brought home two gold medals, while boxers Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio each secured bronze. The years of relentless training and preparation culminated in these victories, but beyond the excitement, the competition showed the mental resilience displayed by Filipino athletes. “Compared to other countries, we were greatly outnumbered,” Cavite 8th district Representative Aniela Tolentino observed. “But that didn’t intimidate or bother them.”
There was a sense of unity that radiated from every corner of the Olympic venue. “One of the most heartwarming moments was seeing Filipino spectators, who were strangers to each other, come together in a display of unity,” she recalls. “Despite not knowing one another, we all rallied around our athletes with a shared sense of pride and enthusiasm. I remember meeting a Filipino couple from Paris who noticed I didn’t have a flag and handed me one. We instantly became friends. It was a powerful reminder of how sports can foster a sense of belonging and togetherness.”
One of the highlights of the event was undoubtedly Yulo’s triumph in the Men’s Vault Finals. “As our national anthem played and the Philippine flag was raised, I felt tears streaming down my face and goosebumps on my skin,” Tolentino shares. “It was an incredible moment, one I will cherish forever.” Tolentino also gained deep insights from her time with the athletes, including the importance of mental resilience. “I saw how the Filipino athletes managed not only the physical demands of their training but also the psychological pressures of competing on such a prestigious stage,” she notes. “Their ability to stay focused, overcome setbacks, and continuously strive for improvement was a powerful reminder of the importance of mental strength.”
Moreover, she was struck by how their Olympic journey was deeply intertwined with their sense of responsibility in representing the Philippines. “Their performances were not just personal achievements; they were a reflection of national pride,” Tolentino explains. “Perhaps the most important thing I learned from our athletes is that competing with your heart makes a profound difference, beyond just relying on skills.”
Below, find Aniela Tolentino’s documentation of the Philippine Olympic Committee’s time in Paris with our athletes, from their winning moments to the smiles in between.
Photographed by Aniela Tolentino1/18“Members of the Philippine delegation exiting the Olympic village with big smiles despite the pouring Parisian rain”
Photographed by Aniela Tolentino2/18
Photographed by Aniela Tolentino3/18“Gymnasts Aleah Finnegan and Emma Malabuyo dazzle in their SINAG barongs, which were exclusively designed by local fashion designer Francis Libiran for the Opening Ceremony”
Photographed by Aniela Tolentino4/18“Boxers Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam, and Hergie Bacyadan, together with Marcus Manalo, secretary general of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines, prepare to dock the boat in their SINAG barongs”
Photographed by Aniela Tolentino5/18“Team Philippines grabs a selfie on their boat at the Opening Ceremony”
Photographed by Aniela Tolentino6/18“Filipina rower Joanie Delgaco places in the repechage, qualifying for quarterfinals”
Photographed by Aniela Tolentino7/18“The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) waves the Philippine flag in support of Nesthy Petecio who won against China”
Photographed by Aniela Tolentino8/18“Carlos ‘Caloy’ Yulo at the Men’s Floor Exercise Finals, where he won the Philippines’ first gold medal at the Paris Olympics”
Photographed by Aniela Tolentino9/18“Caloy Yulo’s parallel bars routing during the Men’s All-Around Finals”
Photographed by Aniela Tolentino10/18“Caloy Yulo preparing for the Men’s Vault Finals, where he secured the country’s second gold medal”
Photographed by Aniela Tolentino11/18“Caloy Yulo receiving his second gold medal at the Paris Olympics”
Photographed by Aniela Tolentino12/18“Men’s Gymnastics Floor gold medalist Caloy Yulo with POC president Bambol Tolentino and Filipino-British bronze medalist Jake Jarman”
Photographed by Aniela Tolentino13/18“Boxer Aira Villegas poses with her hand wraps, which have been signed by officials, indicating they were wrapped correctly for her match”
Photographed by Aniela Tolentino14/18“Boxer Nesthy Petecio against India, winning her match at the Olympics opener”
Photographed by Aniela Tolentino15/18“Big smiles all around as POC president Bambol Tolentino poses with boxers Carlo Paalam and Eumir Marcial outside the ring”
Photographed by Aniela Tolentino16/18“A proud moment in Philippine sports history: POC president Bambol Tolentino poses with the country’s first two gold medalists, showcasing the athletes’ strength and the Philippine Olympic Committee’s support”
Photographed by Aniela Tolentino17/18“Caloy proudly holds up his gold medals, joined by Hidilyn Diaz and POC president Bambol Tolentino, with the Eiffel Tower standing tall behind them”
Photographed by Aniela Tolentino18/18“The Eiffel Tower illuminated with the Olympic Rings at night, symbolizing the host city of this year’s Summer Games”
