Alex Eala calls SEA Games flag-bearing duty an “experience of a lifetime”

Filipino tennis star Alex Eala continues to cement her status as one of Southeast Asia’s brightest young athletes, earning the honor of serving as the Philippines’ flag bearer for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand.

Widely regarded as the region’s top emerging tennis talent, the 20-year-old led the Philippine delegation during Sunday’s opening ceremony at the Rajamangala National Stadium, walking proudly alongside Alas Pilipinas men’s volleyball captain Bryan Bagunas.

After the parade, Eala described the moment as nothing short of surreal.

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“It was surreal. Nakatulong din na andoon si kuya Bryan Bagunas. I think it was just good vibes to be with the whole delegation, and I am so blessed. It’s an experience of a lifetime,” Eala said.

Her father, Mike Eala, was also in attendance and spoke emotionally about witnessing a long-held dream come to life.

“IT’S AN EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME”

WATCH: Flag bearer and tennis ace Alex Eala recounts what it felt like to raise the Philippine flag at the opening ceremony of the 33rd SEA Games. | POC Media via Jonathan Andal / GMA Integrated News pic.twitter.com/I8VsRfBMPa

— GMA Integrated News (@gmanews) December 9, 2025

“Sobrang happy. It was a dream since she was a kid to see her carry the national colors. It’s a dream come true. Grabe. I am speechless,” he said.

Eala also made history by becoming the youngest Philippine flag bearer in SEA Games history, achieving the milestone at just 20 years old—another testament to her growing stature and popularity in the country.

Members of the Alas Pilipinas men’s and women’s volleyball teams joined the march, as well as the national boxing squad led by two-time Olympic medalist Nesthy Petecio, reinforcing a strong Filipino presence in one of the most high-profile SEA Games opening ceremonies in recent memory.

Security protocols were tightened due to the attendance of the Thai Royal Family, including Queen Suthida, who is competing in sailing. The enhanced measures resulted in a temporary lockdown of the stadium, preventing several Filipino athletes from reaching the venue in time for the parade.

This year’s opening ceremony followed nearly a week of early preliminary action in sports such as football and baseball across Bangkok, Chonburi, and nearby provinces. With most events officially beginning Wednesday, Team Philippines now turns its full attention to the medal hunt as the Games continue through December 20.

As fireworks lit up the Bangkok skyline, the Filipino contingent marched with renewed purpose—determined to build early momentum and deliver another strong showing on the region’s biggest sporting stage.

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