Largest PH contingent ready for battle as 33rd SEA Games officially opens

The 33rd SEA Games officially opened on Tuesday night at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand with the Philippines fielding its biggest team ever.

The Philippine delegation, made up of a record 1,600 contingent of athletes, coaches, and officials, was led by two flag bearers in tennis ace Alex Eala and volleyball standout Bryan Bagunas during the parade of athletes and the explosive opening rites.

Also joining the parade were the Alas Women -- led by the young core of Bella Belen, Vanie Gandler, Alyssa Solomon, and Amie Provido -- and Alas Men featuring Marck Espejo, Josh Ybañez, Peng Taguibolos, and Owa Retamar. 

The opening ceremony saw the host country's Royal family in attendance led by His Majesty Vajiralongkorn, the King of Thailand, as the whole arena also offered a moment of silence to the late Queen Mother Sirikit, who passed away in late October. 

Brunei, which placed 10th out of 11 nations last edition in Cambodia, came in first in the parade of athletes followed by Cambodia, which snagged 81 golds, 74 silvers, and 127 bronzes in its hosting year in 2023. 

Last edition's third-ranked team Indonesia, Laos, and Malaysia came next in the parade before the Philippines entered the arena with the Pinoy athletes wearing the Avel Bacudio-designed barong. Singapore, Timor Leste, Vietnam, and host Thailand then wrapped up the parade. 

The Philippines is hoping to surpass its 58-gold, 86-silver, and 116-bronze medal haul in the previous edition, where the country finished fifth overall. 

—JMB, GMA Integrated News