PH flag-bearer Bryan Bagunas honored to serve alongside Alex Eala

Philippine volleyball star Bryan Bagunas proudly led Team Philippines during the parade of nations at the opening ceremonies of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games on Tuesday night, carrying the national flag alongside women’s tennis standout Alexandra Eala.

Bagunas, captain of Alas Pilipinas Men, headlined the 140-strong Philippine contingent at the Rajamangala Stadium, a 51,000-seater venue hosting the SEA Games opening festivities.

The 28-year-old Batangas native expressed pride in sharing the huge role with Filipino tennis icon Eala.

“We all know that Alex is truly world-class. She is competing in tournaments with a high level of competition. It’s an honor for me to have her as my fellow flag bearer,” he said.

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LEADING THE CHARGE 🇵🇭💪

LOOK: Smiles all around as flag bearers Bryan Bagunas and Alex Eala led over 1,600 Filipino athletes and delegates in the ceremonial march of the 33rd SEA Games.

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Bagunas, who currently plays for Osaka Bluteon in Japan’s SV. League also admitted he was taken aback by the selection, saying that other athletes deserved to be in the role.

“First, of course, I was shocked to be named as one of the two flag bearers. I wasn’t expecting to be appointed because I know that there are other deserving athletes to carry the flag,” he said.

Bagunas’ selection came after Alas Pilipinas competed in the historic FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championships staged in the Philippines last September.

“This is such a huge honor not just for me, but for Philippine volleyball as well. I’m so happy to be chosen as flag bearer,” Bagunas said, reflecting on the significance of the moment for both himself and the sport in the country.

Alas aims to end the Philippines’ podium drought in SEA Games volleyball, which dates back to a silver medal in the 2019 Manila edition.

The squad opens its campaign against Myanmar on Saturday at the Indoor Stadium Huamark, with a critical matchup against four-time defending champions Indonesia scheduled for December 16.

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