Tennis star Alex Eala and volleyball standout Bryan Bagunas have been selected as the Philippines' flag-bearers for the opening ceremony of the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand. This was announced by POC President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, who praised the two athletes' significant impact on the sports world.
According to Tolentino, the two are not only famous, but also truly have made a great contribution to the global sports community. Because of this, they are one of the best choices to carry the Philippine flag at the opening of the SEA Games on December 9 in Bangkok.
Eala is coming off a strong year, having finished the WTA season ranked world No. 50. Bagunas is the team captain of the Alas Pilipinas men’s volleyball team that had a historic run at the FIVB World Championship held in the country.
Tolentino emphasizes that athletes with inspirational appeal, diligence, and motivation are the preferred flag-bearers, especially those who inspire Filipino youth.
He also shared that there is a 300-member delegation reserved for the Philippines in the parade, but it may be reduced to 200 due to the year-long mourning for Queen Sirikit and the Songkhla disaster. The country will field 1,700 athletes in a total of 574 events in 50 sports, which will be held in Bangkok and Chonburi after Songkhla was canceled due to widespread flooding.
