Alex Eala says being PH flag bearer in SEA Games opening an honor of a lifetime

Alexandra “Alex” Eala said it was the honor of a lifetime to serve as one of the Philippines’ flag bearers in the opening ceremony of the 2025 Southeast Asian Games held last Tuesday at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Eala, the youngest athlete to carry the Philippine flag, shared the duty with volleyball star Bryan Bagunas.

“Isang karangalang panghabambuhay,” she said in an Instagram post on Wednesday.

“Maraming salamat sa tiwala at sa pagkakataong dalhin ang pangalan ng ating minamahal na bayan. Mabuhay ang atletang Pilipino!”

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The athletes who participated in the parade wore Avel Bacudio creations titled Laro ng Lahi.

Previously, Eala said the responsibility felt surreal.

As of writing, the Philippines has 13 medals (2 golds, 2 silvers, and 9 bronzes) in the biennial meet.

—JKC GMA Integrated News