Eala relishes moment as PH flag-bearer in opening rites
BANGKOK—There was no doubt that Alex Eala had the time of her life doing her part as flag-bearer of Team Philippines in the opening ceremony of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.
The tennis sensation shared the important symbolic duty with Alas Pilipinas volleyball star Bryan Bagunas as the country’s delegation came out for the parade of nations at Rajamangala Stadium on Tuesday here.
An edited video posted by Eala on social media showed her transition from wearing her uniform while training at a tennis court to her parade outfits while carrying the Philippine flag at this city’s National Stadium.
The video has garnered more than 106,000 likes on her Instagram account.
“I was very excited to be our flag-bearer and take part in the opener because it’s my first time and it’s a new experience,” she said after the opening rites.
She also helped Bagunas collect snaps of the moment that he could post on his socials.
There was another viral photo of her posing with boxer Nesthy Petecio in a mock-fighting pose.
“Nice to see you again champ,” Petecio wrote as caption.
With the opening now out of the way, Eala can focus on winning a gold for the country in these Games.
She is part of the team event and will also compete in the singles event at National Tennis Development Center in Nonthaburi.
The Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) had earlier described Eala’s participation as something that could inspire the tennis contingent at the Games.
“Not only does her presence inspire our tennis squads, it also inspires the entire 1,600-strong Philippine delegation,” said Philta secretary general John Rey Tiangco.
Meanwhile, in Manila, Grace Antigua, the former Philippine women’s volleyball team setter and three-time SEA Games gold medalist, wished all the best for Jia De Guzman and Alas Pilipinas, believing the young squad has what it takes to finally end a 20-year podium drought in Thailand.
Antigua, now a coach of the University of San Carlos (USC) in Cebu, had an outstanding national team career with three SEA Games gold medals in 1981, 1985 and 1987.
In the past four editions, the Philippines fell short of a bronze medal in the biennial meet with four consecutive fourth-place finishes.
“I hope and pray that they can at least get third place. That’s it for now,” said Antigua after USC made a surprising silver medal finish in the Shakey’s Super League Cebu leg in August.
“They really have a chance at gold or silver. Even so, getting bronze would already be good if we can achieve it.” —WITH A REPORT FROM LANCE AGCAOILI
