Come on guys, it’s 2026.
Therefore, we should start practicing dialogues like “Kasal mo ‘yan” instead of falling back on that lifetime debt classic, “Pero magulang mo pa rin yun.”
After all, we have let toxic familial obligations chokehold our personal lives for far too long.
To put it simply, we are grown-ups now who are entitled to choose things on our own. Meanwhile, amid the virality of two-time Olympian Gold Medalist Carlos Yulo’s recent interview with Karen Davila regarding who should be invited to weddings, public opinion has split sharply among Filipinos.
Furthermore, this debate serves as a verbatim testament to how uptight Filipinos have become regarding “ownership” over their adult children.
It’s a Wedding, Not a Family Reunion
Specifically, this discussion erupted amid reports that Carlos prefers not to invite his parents, Angelica Yulo and Mark Andrew Yulo, to his wedding with longtime girlfriend Chloe Anjeleigh San Jose. Indeed, when the pair appeared on Karen’s vlog on September 10, Karen asked whether their parents would be invited.
At present, Carlos has an estranged relationship with his parents over financial disputes involving cash incentives as well as his mother’s disapproval of Chloe.
Addressing the situation during the interview, the athlete stated,
For me, I think, because, ‘yung kasal po namin ‘yan and ako po ‘yung… kami po, relationship po namin ‘yan, and madami na din silang, madami na silang ginawa na pinatawad ko na and hanggang doon na lang din po. So, hindi po,”
In response, Chloe agreed with him, noting that she would go with whatever setup he is comfortable with. Consequently, while some praise Carlos for choosing what is best for his partner, the interview went viral as Filipinos weighed in on the matter.
Found Families With Friends and Close Relatives
At the end of the day, it is your wedding, so it is only reasonable that you choose who gets to be there. In reality, being in the same room with someone you are not okay with ruins the atmosphere. Forced interactions with a relative who has repeatedly humiliated or abused you can cause severe anxiety, even if you try to act fine on the outside.
But really, what is the point of gathering?
For instance, Gen Z has proven that when you keep your circle smaller and set firm boundaries, you gain greater self-fulfillment, confidence, and comfort. Quoting Carlos Yulo yet again,
…Gusto ko sa amin lang po ‘yun, and I really want it to be really full of love and joy kapag nangyari po ‘yun,”
Ultimately, weddings can be free of dread when kept away from toxic relatives.
Furthermore, the youth deeply cherish longtime friendships built over time—including chosen family—proving that family status alone should not dictate who gets access to your life.
Weddings Are Birth Of Another Life
As the interview continued to circulate, the topic eventually reached the content creator widely recognized as “TikTok’s favorite Filipino mom”.
Mama LuLu, who was asked to share her perspective as a parent. In response, she advised,
Basta lumaki na ang aking mga anak, bigyan na natin sila ng sarili nilang desisyon sa buhay. Hindi tayo pupwedeng palagi na lang nakasunod sa kanila o nakasansala ka sa bawat desisyon ng anak mo,”
Furthermore, she added,
Dahil alalahanin niyo, ang anak natin, may sarili ring isip. Kagaya din natin ‘yan,”
In summary, Mama LuLu emphasized that a wedding marks a fresh start for a couple, so it should be a peaceful, solemn, and stress-free celebration—reconciliations can always happen down the road, but their special day should belong entirely to them.
As a result, she urged fellow parents to lower their pride, be more understanding, and respect that they raised their children to make their own choices, think for themselves, and live their own lives.
Drawing Boundaries Like Grown-Ups
Above all, boundaries are the real healers here, even though setting them remains the most powerful guilt trip in Filipino family culture.
Yes, they are still your parents.
However, being someone’s parent does not erase harmful behavior, nor does being someone’s child require unlimited tolerance. In other words, respect should never mean surrendering every boundary. Furthermore, parents are human beings capable of making mistakes, and adult children are equally entitled to decide what behavior they will continue accepting.
While Carlos and Chloe’s private situation belongs to them, Carlos stated two things that matter most: he has forgiven his parents, and he does not want them at his wedding. Clearly, there is no contradiction there. Forgiveness can release anger, but it does not restore trust, erase history, or guarantee access to your life. In conclusion, being family does not guarantee a wedding invitation, because a wedding ultimately celebrates the new life you choose to build.
