champions of today

Carlos Yulo

Gymnastics

Carlos’s rise from humble roots in the streets of Manila to a historic first place finish at the 2019 Gymnastics World Championships and gold and silver-winning performances at the 30th Southeast Asian Games, has served as an affecting story of what one can achieve amidst adversity. 

His career began at the MILO® – CLUB GYMNASTICA Sports Clinics and the MILO® Little Olympics, where he won 4 consecutive Most Outstanding Athlete awards. Several wins followed at the Palarong Pambansa. 

From his early days to becoming a world-class elite athlete, Carlos continues to amaze fans with his story and inimitable talent.

Pauline Lopez

Taekwondo

In the traditionally male-dominated martial arts, Pauline emerged as a top Taekwondo athlete - proof that talent knows no gender. 

The daughter of a martial artist who himself was part of the Philippine national team, Pauline’s assertiveness eventually brought her to the mat, where she trained fiercely and competed against male teammates, as well as in higher fighting divisions. 

Her training has strong roots in the MILO®-Philippine Taekwondo Association program, while joining the MILO®-PTA tournaments further reinforced her work ethic and self-confidence. 

In 2019, Pauline was one of the athletes that MILO® featured during the SEA Games Digital Campaign, where she won gold.

Kiefer Ravena

Basketball

One of the longest tenured MILO® athletes, Kiefer’s impressive list of accolades catapulted him to the top of the country’s list of its brightest basketball stars. 

Hailing from a family of elite athletes, Kiefer’s career has its roots in the BEST Center program, which he joined at just 4 years old and would later shape a successful career in amateur, professional, and international competitions. 

After an 18-month suspension, Kiefer returned to the court with powerful performances that earned him his 5th SEA Games gold medal. 

While captain of Gilas Pilipinas, he finds time for other passions including playing golf and running the sports facility, Phenom Elite Training Academy, with girlfriend and fellow athlete, Alyssa Valdez.

Alyssa Valdez

Volleyball

Alyssa started her journey in sports as a ‘water girl’ and bench player of her junior varsity team. 

With hard work, determination, and talent, she made her way up the team’s rotation, became a star player, and earned a scholarship in college. 

Her impressive run as a star player of the Ateneo Lady Eagles, Alyssa won accolades that included 3 MVP awards and 3 championships, which earned her the nickname “The Phenom” of the Philippine volleyball arena. 

Not only serving talent but also humility, she remains to be one of the most celebrated volleyball players in the country and longtime part of the roster of MILO® champions.

Mary Joy Tabal

Running

Mary Joy’s journey from a young athlete in Cebu City to the first Filipino marathon runner to qualify for the Olympics was the result of her sheer hard work.

Born into an impoverished family, Mary Joy utilized sports and education to elevate her quality of life. 

The scholar and consistent honor student balanced studies and sports while competing in local tournaments including the National MILO® Marathon, where she bagged 6 consecutive championships from 2013 to 2018. 

From her first foray into the MILO® sports program, Mary Joy has continued to build her athletic prowess while completing her studies, now with a master’s degree in Public Administration.