As the 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia approaches, Pinay athletes are set to make history by leading the parade of nations in the opening ceremony.
The Philippine Olympic Committee President Bambol Tolentino announced on April 28 that the team would consist entirely of women, making it the first time in the history of the SEA Games that an all-female delegation would lead the parade.
"This will be a first in SEA Games history as Team Philippines will be represented by an all-women delegation in the parade,” he said.
Out of the 50 Filipina athletes who will take part in the parade, only three men will join them. These men include Tolentino, Chef de Mission Chito Loyzaga, and the flag bearer who will be announced before the ceremony.
Everyone will be dressed in Barong Tagalog, which is a traditional Filipino attire, designed by Francis Libiran.
The Barong Tagalog, named "Araw," is created from Philippine jusi fabric, and showcases a detailed embroidery of the Philippine flag.
Photo courtesy: Philippine Olympic Committee via Inquirer Sports
It features shades of blue overlaid on a small red area to represent the sun and its rays, which represent the country's freedom, serenity, and courage.
Libiran, who previously designed the outfits for the 2019 and 2022 Southeast Asian Games, named the design "Agila," after the national bird of the Philippines.
This year's biennial meet will take place from May 5 to 17, and the Philippines will be represented by over 1,100 delegates.
In last year's Vietnam-hosted edition, the Philippines finished fourth with a total of 227 medals - 52 golds, 70 silvers, and 105 bronzes.
