Filipino athletes march strong as Thailand opens 33rd SEA Games

Messie May Flores

Thailand set the tone for nearly two weeks of regional competition as the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games opened with a tightly secured, high-energy ceremony, with the Philippines fielding one of its biggest and most determined delegations in recent years, at Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, Dec. 9.

As competitions officially began, the Philippines’ 1,168-strong contingent, led by flag bearers Ryan Bagunas and Alex Eala, joined 12,506 athletes from 11 countries vying for 574 gold medals across 50 sports until Dec. 20.

Bryan Bagunas and Ales Eala, both decorated in their respective sports, carried the Philippine banner with pride as they led the delegation onto the field.

The Philippines aims to reclaim momentum in several events where Filipino athletes are expected to excel, including weightlifting, volleyball, boxing, gymnastics, athletics, and tennis. 

National team coaches expressed confidence, saying the athletes arrived in Bangkok well-prepared despite tight schedules and different training conditions.

“We’ve worked hard these past months, we’re well prepared for a strong group, and we respect every opponent,” said women’s football coach Mark Torcaso.

Carrying the banner “We Are One – Connected by the Sea,” this year’s SEA Games also introduced its first-ever “Green SEA Games” in line with the region’s Net-Zero 2025 goal.

The ceremony kicked off with “Back to the Origin,” a visuals-driven retelling of the SEA Games’ history from its 1959 start in Bangkok, along with a tribute to past host nations.

Energy surged during “Ignite the Game,” as Violette Wautier and Twopee Pittawat performed the official theme song “1%” while pyrotechnics filled the stadium.

A shift to solemnity followed with the arrival of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Queen Suthida, and Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. An in-memoriam tribute and a stadium-wide moment of silence honored the late Queen Sirikit.

Performances inspired by various sports filled the “One Spirit” segment, followed by “Blooming of One Victory,” which highlighted the athletes’ pursuit of excellence and unity.

Thai idol Bambam of GOT7 later electrified the stadium and drew one of the night’s loudest reactions from the crowd.

The Philippine delegation entered early in the parade, waving to the crowd before host Thailand closed the march with its 1,531-athlete contingent, the largest this year.

During the opening program, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul highlighted unity, fair play, and discipline as the SEA Games and Thailand 2025 flags were raised, followed by athletes and referees taking their oaths.

Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Panipak Wongpattanakit lit the SEA Games cauldron after a video showing the flame’s journey across Southeast Asia, which officially declared the 33rd SEA Games open.

Despite increased security due to a recent border clash with Cambodia, Thailand managed to stage a smooth and solid opening program, its first time hosting the Games since 2007.

With competitions now underway across various Bangkok arenas, Filipino athletes are set to begin their medal quest and aim to deliver strong performances that will raise the Philippine flag high on international sporting grounds.