Alex Eala, Bryan Bagunas to be PH flag-bearers in SEA Games opening

Tennis star Alex Eala and volleyball standout Bryan Bagunas will be the flag-bearers for the Philippines in the opening ceremony of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand on December 9.

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino announced the decision, citing the significant global impact and inspirational appeal of both athletes.

Eala achieved a career-high world ranking of No. 50 in the WTA, the highest achieved by a Filipina.

Bagunas was the face of the Alas Pilipinas team that finished 19th in the FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship.

They will lead a 1,168-strong Philippine delegation aiming to surpass their fifth-place finish in the previous Games.

The delegation includes notable athletes such as Hidilyn Diaz, Nesthy Petecio, Aira Villegas, Eumir Felix Marcial, Kayla Sanchez, EJ Obiena, Hergie Bacyadan, Aleah Finnegan, Joanie Delgaco, Eric Cray, and Elreen Ando.