Jezzy Cabaluna, an 11-year-old aspiring gymnast from Calamba, Laguna, just wanted new leotards to replace her worn-out ones when she appeared on the noontime show, “Eat Bulaga!”
But instead of just getting new gear, she got the ultimate surprise: a meet-and-greet with Olympic twin gold medalist Carlos Yulo, who gave her a major dose of inspiration.
Carlos, who now has it all—gold medals, fame, fortune, and a lasting legacy—is eager to inspire the next generation of Filipino gymnasts. During his guest appearance on the “Dear Eat Bulaga” segment, he did just that when he met Jezzy.
After surprising Jezzy, Carlos encouraged her to keep pursuing her dream of becoming a successful gymnast.
“Ang masasabi ko lang po sa mga gustong sumubok talaga, kagaya niya po na nandidito na, pagpatuloy niyo lang po ‘yong pangarap niyo, ganun talaga may mga araw na mahirap, may mga araw na mahirap, walang madali sa pagsubok na ‘to,” said Carlos.
“Enjoyin natin, binigay ‘to ng Diyos, training lang nang training kasi naniniwala din po ako na may para satin po talaga. Palakpakan mo yung mga nanalo and darating talaga yung para sa’yo. May darating talaga na nakalaan sa atin na para sa atin, keep going lang and syempre enjoy natin ‘yong process kasi doon tayo mag-go-grow,” he added.
Carlos knew what he was talking about, having started his journey at just seven years old.
“May mga times po na challenging po ‘yong araw, minsan ‘di niyo po talaga kakayanin eh. Kailangan natin tanggapin ‘yong mga flaws po natin, and syempre ‘yong hindi natin kayang gawin. Kailangan natin matanggap may kakayahan din tayo, walang imposible and syempre ‘yong paniniwala sa Diyos,” he said.
During his brief chat with Jezzy, the 24-year-old gymnast also gifted her his famous Tupperware filled with chalk used for training.
“Dala-dala ko po… may dala po akong sarili… tupperware,” said Carlos, sharing the significance of the gift to Jezzy.
“Dear Eat Bulaga” is a segment of the noontime show where the hosts fulfill the wishes and dreams of hopeful Filipinos. As for Jezzy, her day turned out to be so much more than she ever expected.
