Tolentino names Eala, Bagunas PH flag-bearers
They may not be the first athletes to come to mind when listing potential flag-bearers of a Philippine delegation filled with Olympic medalists, Asian champions and leading bets for Southeast Asian Games golds.
But once their names were announced, the decision made perfect sense.
Tennis star Alex Eala and Alas Pilipinas volleyball standout Bryan Bagunas will carry the flag in the opening ceremonies of the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand, Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said on Tuesday.
“Popularity aside, Alex and Bryan have made impacts in the global sports community and that makes them the best choice to carry the flag in the SEA Games,” said Tolentino.
Eala and Bagunas are not only two of the more popular athletes in the Philippines, but their success has triggered a wave of inspiration and opened their sport to a lot of new young practitioners.
Eala rose to the top 50 in the Women’s Tennis Association world rankings, becoming the first Filipino to win a game in the US Open women’s main draw. She also won her first WTA title in the Guadalajara 125 open.
Her success has sent young kids scampering to tennis clinics all over the country.
She returns to the SEA Games after winning three bronze medals in the Hanoi Games, three years ago, in the women’s singles, mixed doubles, and the women’s team event.
‘Inspirational appeal’
Bagunas, on the other hand, keyed Alas Pilipinas’ inspiring stint in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, where he led the country to a historic win against African champion Egypt.
He and the Filipino Spikers narrowly missed the round of 16 after a heartbreaking five-set loss to Iran.
Bagunas, currently playing for Osaka Bluteon in the Japan SV.League makes his comeback in the SEA Games after three years.
The Alas men look to return to the podium after a historic runner-up finish, led by Bagunas, in the 2019 games at PhilSports Arena.
“It’s about the inspirational appeal, the motivation and hard work that reaps accomplishment that make an athlete or athletes the best choice for the task,” Tolentino said.
The Philippines is expected to send a 300-member delegation for the opening parade at Rajamangala National Stadium, though that number could possibly be trimmed to 200 because of the yearlong mourning for Queen Sirikit and the Songkhla disaster.
The Philippines is fielding close to 1,700 athletes in the SEA Games.
