Maligned SEAG logo stays

Despite criticisms for “lack of creativity,” organizers of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games are likely to retain the logo, insiders said Sunday.

The logo with 11 rings—representing member nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean)—thrown in a way that depicts the shape of the Philippine map met a maelstrom of social media brickbats.

It was designed by a top-notch advertising agency based in Hong Kong that beat five other bidders, according to the same source.

“It was well applauded at the OCA (Olympic Council of Asia) general assembly,” said the insider, who witnessed the presentation.

The PH hosting will be officially launched next month and organizers led by chair and Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, according to the source, are reticent whether to change or retain the logo.

“In London 2012 and Tokyo 2020 (Olympics), there were criticisms but they (logos) were never changed,” said the source.