BANGKOK. — Ace spiker Bryan Bagunas marching in front of the national delegation carrying the tricolors during the traditional parade of nations in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games opening ceremonies on Tuesday night served as a validation of the huge impact made by the Philippine men’s volleyball squad.
Being named as one of Team Philippines’ pair of flagbearers alongside women’s tennis star Alex Eala came as a welcome surprise for the Alas Pilipinas men’s skipper, who is on his fourth dance in the biennial meet.
“Una siyempre nagulat nga ako na ako ‘yung isa. Di ko nga ini-expect kasi alam n’yo naman na marami pang mas deserving sa akin na maging flagbearer para sa Pilipinas,” the veteran open hitter said.
Bagunas and Eala headlined the 140-man Philippine contingent that joined the opening festivities inside the massive 51,000-seater Rajamangala Stadium here.
The 28-year-old pride of Balayan, Batangas, is the first volleyball player in the last decade to be given the honor since women’s volleyball standout Alyssa Valdez back in the 2015 Singapore edition.
“Isang malaking honor ito para sa akin. Pero hindi lang sa akin but for Philippine volleyball na rin. Masaya ako na ako ‘yung isa dun sa flagbearer,” Bagunas said.
The Osaka Bluteon import in the Japan SV.League also expressed excitement walking side by side with world No. 50-ranked Eala, a favorite to add a mint to the country’s coffers.
“Alam naman natin na si Alex talagang world na ‘yung nilalabanan niya. Alam natin kung gaano kataas ang level ng competition na nilalaruan niya. Nakaka-proud lang din na kasama ko siya sa pagiging flagbearer, isang karangalan para sa akin,” Bagunas said.
Expectations are high for Alas following a long buildup and series of international exposures, including an impressive debut stint in the FIVB World Championship last September.
The squad, looking to end a podium drought following a silver medal haul in the 2019 Manila edition, faces Myanmar on Saturday at the Indoor Stadium Huamark, Sports Authority of Thailand.
Alas battles four-peat-seeking Indonesia on December 16.
