The Philippine delegation to the upcoming 33rd Southeast Asian Games will be led into the opening ceremony by two of the nation's most accomplished global athletes. Tennis phenom Alex Eala and volleyball star Bryan Bagunas have been officially selected as the country's flag bearers for the prestigious regional sporting event.
Historic Honors for Global Achievers
The announcement was made by Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. In an interview, Tolentino emphasized that the selection went beyond mere popularity. He highlighted their significant impacts on the international sports stage, making them the ideal representatives to carry the Philippine flag in Thailand next week.
"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," President Tolentino stated.
Profiles of the Flag Bearers
Alex Eala earns this honor following a groundbreaking year on the professional tennis circuit. Her successful campaign in various Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) events throughout the year propelled her to a career-high ranking of world No. 50, a historic feat for Philippine tennis.
On the other hand, Bryan Bagunas, the team captain of the Alas Pilipinas men's national volleyball team, is recognized for his leadership during the squad's historic participation in the FIVB World Championship last month. His performance on the world stage cemented his status as a top-tier athlete.
A Massive Philippine Contingent
The flag-bearing ceremony will mark the beginning of the Philippines' campaign in the multi-sport meet. The country is sending a formidable delegation of nearly 1,700 athletes who will compete for medals across 574 events in 50 different sports.
This choice of flag bearers sets a powerful tone for Team Philippines, symbolizing a blend of individual excellence on the global stage and team leadership. All eyes will be on Eala and Bagunas as they proudly wave the national flag during the opening ceremony, inspiring the entire Philippine contingent to aim for glory at the 33rd SEA Games.
