All-women delegation to lead Philippines in SEA Games 2023 opening ceremony

FILE–Athletes and officials from the Philippines march during the opening ceremony of the SEA Games (Southeast Asian Games) at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan province, north of Manila on November 30, 2019. (Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines—For the first time ever, the Philippines will be represented by all women athletes in the opening ceremony of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games at Morodok Techo Stadium in Cambodia on May 5.

The women-dominated Philippine pool will have 50 representatives for the Parade of Nations, as per the limit set by Cambodia SEA Games Organizing Committee for all participating nations.

“This will be a first in SEA Games history as Team Philippines will be represented by an all-women delegation in the parade,” Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said.

There will be three men present in the parade, namely Tolentino, SEA Games 2023 chef de mission Chito Loyzaga and the flag bearer, who is yet to be revealed.

The athletes will be donning white barongs named “Araw” designed by Filipino fashion icon Francis Libiran.

Libiran was also the designer for the country delegates’ outfit “Agila” back in the 2019 SEA Games.

Several national teams have started flying to Phnom Penh ahead of the official start of the regional biennial meet.

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Inquirer’s special coverage of the Cambodia SEA Games 2023.