Filipinos are welcoming gymnast Jake Jarman to the Philippines with suggestions for where to eat, visit and explore during his holiday.
The half-Filipino gymnast won gold in the men’s floor exercise on Friday, October 24, at the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships held in Jakarta, Indonesia.
It was Jake’s second world title, following his vault victory at the 2023 edition in Belgium.
“This gold is quite special since I fancy myself to be a floor exercise guy, and winning this is a validation of that,” he told reporters.
Meanwhile, Philippine gymnast Carlos Yulo, an Olympic and world champion in the apparatus, claimed bronze in the men’s floor exercise.
He later won gold in the men’s vault finals at the same competition.
In an interview with ABS-CBN, Jake said that he is “looking forward” to his visit to the Philippines after the World Championships.
His Filipina mother, Ana, is from Malabuyoc, Cebu.
Jake spent his early schooling in Cebu before moving to the United Kingdom, his father’s home country.
“Well. Time to vacay in the Philippines, I guess,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter) Sunday, October 26.
Well. Time to vacay in the philippines i guess
— Jake Jarman (@jake_e_j) October 25, 2025
The post has garnered 12,000 likes and 455 reposts and several replies.
Less than an hour later, the gymnast updated his followers with the post: “Made it to Cebu,” accompanied by a grinning emoji.
The post has received 3,800 likes, over 160 reposts, and more than 70 replies.
made it to cebu 😁
— Jake Jarman (@jake_e_j) October 26, 2025
The half-Filipino gymnast’s posts were quickly flooded with comments from Filipinos, many of whom suggested he try local dishes and snacks.
“Sopas, champorado, bistek [or] tapa, pork sinigang, crispy dinuguan, lumpiang ubod [plus] peanut sauce, Bicol express, sans rival,” an X user wrote.
“Should try lechon there, am telling you, you should. Haha,” another commented.
“Lechon!!!!!” another suggested, accompanying the comment with a heart-eyed emoji.
“You deserve to eat lechon, Dong Jake!” a different Pinoy wrote, as translated to English.
Cebu lechon (roasted pig) is famous for its distinct flavor and cooking method. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, it is prized for its flavorful marinade and stuffing.
Meanwhile, others suggested various activities for Jake during his Philippine vacation.
“Punta ka sa Infinity Spa or Alpha, bay! Hahahaha,” a Filipino commented.
“BOSSING, DO A MEET UP, PLS, PLS, PLS [PLEASE],” another wrote.
“Hope you get to reunite and do some gymnast moves showdown with Carlos Yulo — that would be epic,” a different online user replied.
“Meet [and] Greet, plsssss [please],” another Pinoy wrote with a folded hands emoji.
In previous interviews, Jake revealed that he used to visit a mall in Cebu to play computer games.
He also said he missed dried mangoes, a Cebuano delicacy and his favorite snack.
The half-Filipino gymnast added that family gatherings remind him of his time in the Philippines, where lively get-togethers are a cherished tradition.
“Whenever I was at these gatherings, it felt like I was back in the Philippines for a few hours,” he said to Vogue Philippines before.
Jake’s former preschool teacher in Cebu described him as a “lovable student” who was “always curious, smiling, and having a happy disposition.”
The half-Pinoy was also said to be “full of energy and seemed to never get tired of being busy and physically active.”
Jake gained recognition from Filipinos after competing alongside Carlos in the gymnastics events at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Carlos made history by winning two gold medals for the Philippines.
