MANILA, Philippines – Collegiate volleyball star Alyssa Valdez of Ateneo is being eyed as the Philippine's flag-bearer in the 28th Southeast Asian Games set June 5-16 in Singapore.
A highly placed source from Philippine Olympic Committee said the choices for the flag-bearer are now down to two – Valdez, a two-time UAAP MVP who led the Ateneo Lady Eagles to back-to-back UAAP championships, and wushu's Daniel Parantac.
The POC executive council and the SEAG Task Force headed by chief of mission Julian Camacho and POC president Jose "Peping" Cojuangco, Jr. will reportedly make a decision anytime next week.
But it looks like the responsibility will go to Valdez.
"The POC wants her to be the face of our SEA Games team because of her popularity," said the source. "And it's also fitting that the flag-bearer will come from volleyball as it will make a return in the SEA Games after a 10-year absence."
Parantac, who captured a gold medal in the 2013 SEA Games in Myanmar and a silver in the 2014 Asian Games in South Korea, is also a deserving choice but he might not be available in the opening ceremony since wushu will start on the same day on June 5.
If selected, Valdez should serve as an inspiration to a sport that has survived a leadership change and a decade-long absence in the biennial meet.
Valdez will join a team consisting of Rachel Ann Daquis, Aby Marano, Rhea Dimaculangan, Jaja Santiago, Gretchel Soltones, Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Maika Ortiz, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Jia Morado, Denden Lazaro and Jovelyn Gonzaga.
Roger Gorayeb heads the coaching staff that also includes Ateneo mentor Tai Bundit and Edjet Mabbayad.
News source: Joey Villar of philstar.com
Photo source: getbluedonline.com
