Alex Eala, Bryan Bagunas lead Team Philippines as SEA Games officially open in Bangkok

The 33rd Southeast Asian Games officially opened on Tuesday night with a vibrant and symbolic parade featuring tennis star Alex Eala and volleyball standout Bryan Bagunas at the helm of the Philippine delegation.

Eala and Bagunas carried the national flag inside a packed Rajamangala Stadium, leading a contingent of athletes, coaches, and officials wearing modern barong-inspired uniforms designed by Avel Bacudio. 

Their appearance drew loud cheers from the crowd, which filled the stadium to witness the return of a full-scale opening ceremony after several cycles disrupted by restrictions and scaled-down festivities.

Members of the Alas Pilipinas men’s and women’s volleyball squads joined the procession, as well as the national boxing team led by two-time Olympic medalist Nesthy Petecio. 

Their participation added to the strong representation of the Philippines in one of the most anticipated SEA Games parades in recent years.

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The ceremony drew heightened attention with the attendance of Thailand’s King Vajiralongkorn, who officially declared the Games open. 

The Thai Royal Family’s presence—including Queen Suthida, who will compete in sailing—triggered strict security protocols that resulted in the temporary lockdown of the stadium hours before the event. 

The restrictions prevented several Filipino athletes scheduled to march from reaching the venue.

This year’s formal opening comes nearly a week after the early staging of preliminary events, including football and baseball, across Bangkok, Chonburi, and nearby provinces. 

With most competitions set to begin Wednesday, Filipino athletes now shift their full focus toward their medal campaigns leading up to the Games’ conclusion on December 20.

As the torch was lit and the night sky filled with fireworks, Team Philippines marched with a clear sense of purpose: to build momentum early and deliver another strong showing in the region’s biggest sporting event.

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