MANILA, Philippines - Flag-bearer Jason Balabal will lead the first batch of Filipino athletes leaving today for Myanmar for the 27th Southeast Asian Games set Dec. 11 to 22.
Balabal, who hails from Cordillera, will fly to Yangon along with fellow wrestlers Margarito Angana, Joseph Angana, Alvin Lobrequito, Noel Norada and Jhonny Morte.
Balabal and Angana are two-time gold medallists in the SEA Games. Sports officials said for the opening parade, Balabal will wear the traditional “bahag.â€
A total of 22 athletes and 15 officials will leave today for Myanmar, including Daniel Parantac, Jessie Aligaga, Dembert Arcita, Francisco Solis, Divine Wally and Evita Zamora of wushu.
Richly Magsanay, Ridgely Balladres, Rubin Cruz, Alaiza Mae Belmonte, Geylord Coveta and Renz Amboy of sailing will fly to Singapore en route to Yangon.
Jeff Tamayo, chef-de-mission of the Philippine delegation, encouraged the Filipino athletes to do their best.
“We really have to come up with our best effort. We may not win it all, but at least we did our best,†he said.
Leaving tomorrow are members of the men’s and women’s basketball teams together with athletes from boxing, women’s football and canoe kayak.