FILE – Alyssa Valdez carries the flag as she leads the Philippine delegation at the parade of nations during the opening ceremony of the 28th Southeast Asian Games in Singapore. INQUIRER PHOTO/RAFFY LERMA
MANILA, Philippines—Alyssa Valdez has been tapped as the Philippines’ flag bearer during the opening ceremony of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games on Friday at the 60,000-seat Morodok Techo Stadium in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Valdez will lead an all-female Philippine delegation during the parade of nations.
“Alyssa best fits our goal of an almost all-female delegation in the opening ceremony,” POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said.
“She’s not only the face of Philippine volleyball, but Philippine sports as well.”
Carrying the country’s colors is nothing new for Valdez, who was also the flag bearer back in the 2015 Games held in Singapore.
“It’s such an honor to be the flag bearer for this year’s SEA games. It’s a big responsibility but I’m grateful for the trust given to me once again,” said Valdez, the captain of the Philippine women’s volleyball team. “I first had the opportunity to carry our Philippine flag in 2015 in Singapore and it was an unforgettable experience.”
“I share this with all the women in sports who brought honor and glory to the country,” she added.
Valdez and her fellow Filipino female athletes will be wearing Francis Liberan-designed barongs called “Araw” in the opening festivities.
“This is a first in SEA Games history,” said Tolentino, referring to the female-dominated contingent.
