Elite gymnast Carlos Yulo brought honor to Filipinos all over the globe when he won not one but two gold medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics. With his exceptional rise in the field, dedication to his art, and commitment to excellence, Yulo excels as a world-class athlete and has made a significant mark on the global stage, representing the Philippines worldwide.
With his historic athletic achievements, the 24-year-old serves as inspiration for many Filipino youth to work hard to achieve their dreams—and now he also wants to show young Filipinos how to manage and make the most of their earnings. As he now reaps the fruits of his hard work, Yulo found in EastWest the services that empower Filipinos with the financial tools and guidance they need to achieve their dreams.
Yulo’s inspiring financial journey began when he became an EastWest client before he even made history in the Olympics, back in 2023. And now EastWest, one of the country’s most consumer-focused and fastest growing universal banks, recently got Yulo as its newest brand ambassador. The bank considers him the perfect embodiment of their mission to nurture dreams by championing sensible financial management for over 30 years.
Carlos Yulo’s Inspiring Financial Journey
At the event introducing him as new brand ambassador, Yulo shared his journey from simply being a customer to now becoming the face of the brand, highlighting his personal journey of financial growth and empowerment.
Yulo shared, “Itong partnership really started before ko po nakuha ang gold medals ko sa Olympics. Talagang tinulungan ako ng EastWest from the start na maayos ‘yung financial goals ko. Madami akong natutunan sa kanila, nagsimula lang ako ng simpleng deposit, ngayon meron na akong mga investments na nakatulong talaga sa plans ko. Pareho kami ng mindset ng EastWest, always pushing ourselves to improve. Kaya this partnership comes so natural sa’kin, pareho kaming may relentless drive na magtuloy-tuloy hanggang makamit namin ang dreams namin.”
Yulo started with basic banking products to save and pay for expenses while training and competing. As his financial capacity grew, he relied on the help of a dedicated EastWest Priority Relationship Manager to give him financial advice. With guidance, Yulo transitioned into investments, ensuring that his earnings were wisely managed, while he focused on training.
“Nung nagsimula akong kumita, hindi ko talaga alam kung paano i-manage nang maayos ang pera ko. I had deposit accounts and a credit card with EastWest. Pero na-realize ko na kailangan ko ng mas malalim na understanding para mapalago ‘yung pinaghirapan ko. Buti na lang, EastWest Priority assigned me a relationship manager who really guided me. Siya ang nagturo sa akin about investments and how I can grow my savings para I’m financially prepared,” Yulo narrated.
Inspiring Young Filipinos To Manage Finances Better
As a Filipino who works and lives abroad, you’ve probably heard the all-too-common story of fellow Filipinos, who are supporting family back home in the Philippines, would often find that the hard-earned money they send back home seem never quite enough, simply because they’re not managed well. Maybe Yulo and his financial journey just might be the guide they need.
“Si Tita [ed’s note: what he calls his EastWest Priority Relationship Manager] po talaga has been so helpful in my journey—not just as an athlete, but also in managing my finances. Tinulungan po nila ako maging smart sa financial decisions ko and magkaroon ng solid financial plan and, dahil dito, naka-focus ako sa training and competitions ko, especially while I’m abroad. I just send her a message ‘pag may kailangan ako sa bank, like a bank certificate, or may question ako about my savings and investments, and she answers me right away, so meron akong peace of mind,” he revealed.
This prompted EastWest CEO Jerry Ngo to quip, “Tita pala kami [EastWest]. That’s our persona. You need someone to hold your hand and journey with you. We aim to inspire Filipinos to push their boundaries and achieve their financial dreams with EastWest by their side. [Kami ‘yung] bangko na tita.”
Yulo also opened up about the needs of his generation, how his EastWest tita helps him manage his funds and be more disciplined in handling finances and investing. He exemplifies the younger generation who has anxiety about finances, but like them, he knows how to ask. He likes to learn and can make his own decisions. He can help articulate the needs of the younger generation—and common people: from managing funds to aiming for things in life, be it a car, travels, and property.
It just might be worth sharing Yulo’s financial journey to your family back home in the Philippines.
