Athletes must be center in SEAG opening- Bambol

Athletes, not anyone else, are the heroes and main attraction of Team Philippines in the opening ceremonies of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games Bangkok, Thailand on Tuesday at the Rajamangala National Stadium.

Due to unforeseen circumstances on the side of organizers, a handful of athletes from the Philippine delegation will not be able to make it in time.

But flag bearers Bryan Bagunas of Alas Pilipinas men, and tennis superstar Alex Eala will be able to represent the contingent, as they fly in to Bangkok on Monday just in time for the opening rites.

“Ngayon ang dating ni Alex at ni Bryan,” said Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino.

Some 140 athletes will be marching for Team Philippines — only a portion of the country’s record-breaking 1,600-strong contingent.

Sports officials will also be filling in some spots left by the other athletes who will not be able to make it in time.

But don’t expect Tolentino himself to suit up and march on. At the end of the day, the POC Ppresident believes that this should be about the athletes and them alone.

“Time nila yan, para sa kanila [yung opening ceremonies].” said Tolentino.

The opening ceremonies are expected to show off each member country’s athletes while also incorporating host nation Thailand’s cultural heritage and artistic beauty. Program begins 6pm, local time.