To be chosen to carry the country’s flag in an international arena is no mean feat. Such an honor is traditionally given to one of the best athletes of the delegation. 

For the 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, this honor was given to volleyball superstar Alyssa Valdez. 

The Philippine Olympic Committee previously released a statement that three men will be joining the Philippine delegation in this year’s SEA Games opening rites. It was supposed to include Philippine Olympic Committee President Bambol Tolentino, chef de mission Chito Loyzaga, and an unnamed male flag bearer. 

Yet a few days before the opening ceremonies, it seemed the committee changed its mind and decided to go with a female as they revealed Alyssa as their chosen flag bearer. 

“She’s not only the face of Philippine volleyball, but Philippine sports as well,” explained Tolentino of their choice. 

This year, the host for the SEA Games is Cambodia and the opening ceremony is set on May 5 at the Morodok Techo Stadium in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

While there will still be the traditional parade of athletes, the Cambodia SEA Games Organizing Committee has limited participation to only 50 athletes per country. 

For the first time ever, the Philippine delegation will be comprised by all women athletes in the opening ceremony of the regional biennial meet. They will be wearing traditional white barongs, dubbed “Araw” and designed by Filipino designer Francis Libiran. 

“This will be a first in SEA Games history as Team Philippines will be represented by an all-women delegation in the parade," said Tolentino.

With this in mind, it seems apt that the POC also went with a female flag bearer. 

“Alyssa best fits our goal of an almost all-female delegation in the opening ceremony,” further explained Tolentino. 

This was not the first time that Alyssa was chosen for the important task. She was also the country’s flag bearer at the 2015 SEA Games.

Then-POC Vice President Joey Romasanta also hailed Alyssa as “the face of Philippine sports”. 

“I first had the opportunity to carry our Philippine flag in 2015 in Singapore and it was an unforgettable experience,” recalled Alyssa. 

Alyssa recognizes the honor of being chosen for the task and is humbled to be entrusted with such a role. 

“It’s such an honor to be the flag bearer for this year’s SEA games,” said Alyssa of leading the country’s all-women delegation during the parade of athletes. 

“It’s a big responsibility but I’m grateful for the trust given to me once again," she continued. “I share this with all the women in sports who brought honor and glory to the country."