Alyssa Valdez SEA Games flag-bearer?

VOLLEYBALL superstar Alyssa Valdez looms as the bightest candidate for the honor of bearing the country’s flag during the opening ceremonies of the Southeast Asian Games in Singapore in June.

The high-flying, hard-hitting Ateneo stalwart is among the candidates for the prestigious role in the biennial games, where Philippine volleyball is making a comeback after missing the four previous editions.

“It’s some sort of a rebirth for Philippine volleyball,” said Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas president Joey Romasanta. “And we can’t downplay who Alyssa is, she’s an MVP.”

So far, the only other candidate is Daniel Parantac, who won a gold medal during the Myanmar (Burma) SEA Games two years ago.

But officials said Parantac will see action the day after the June 5 opening ceremony and might skip the inaugural altogether.

Romasanta has earlier said he wanted the PH volleyball men’s and women’s teams to parade at the opening rites. Volleyball competitions will not start until June 8.