Bryan Bagunas, named as one of the Philippines’ SEA Games flag bearers, expressed gratitude for the honor while urging full support as they begin their campaign in Thailand.
All eyes will be on Bryan Bagunas as he proudly carries the Philippine flag in the SEA Games 2025 opening ceremony.
The Alas Pilipinas Men star said the appointment came as a surprise, yet one he considers a major milestone in his career.
He will lead the Philippine delegation alongside tennis superstar Alex Eala at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok.
“Parang nagulat ako kasi hindi ko ini-expect na ako ‘yung isang magiging flag bearer. Alam naman natin na sobrang daming player o athlete sa Pilipinas na mas deserve kasi sa akin. Pero at the same time, syempre isang karangalan para sa akin na ako ‘yung isa sa flag bearer,” Bagunas said in a Cignal interview.
[ALSO READ: We Are One: SEA Games 2025 opening to celebrate unity, regional connection, sustainability]
Growing support for Philippine volleyball
Bagunas, who recently rejoined the national team after briefly pausing his club duties with the Osaka Blueton in Japan’s SV.League, acknowledged the rising local volleyball landscape, especially for the men’s team.
“Actually, sobrang naging malaking impact yung pagdadala ng mga international tournaments sa ating Pilipinas,” he said. “Siyempre, nagpapasalamat tayo sa PNVF, at saka sa lahat na sumusuporta sa pagsuporta sa Philippine volleyball kasi kung hindi dahil sa kanila, hindi tayo mano-notice."
The 28-year-old spiker added that the continued backing for the men’s squad has helped the program gain long-overdue recognition.
“Pero sa ngayon, sobrang thankful ako sa kanila na binibigyan nila ng chance, lalo-lalo na especially ang men's volleyball.”
[ALSO READ: POC optimistic with performance of Bagunas, Eala, PH Olympians in SEA Games 2025]
Mindset for the SEA Games
Coming off a historic run in the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship, Bagunas emphasized that the SEA Games will require the team to reset and adjust to a different field of opponents.
“Kailangan, positive kami every game,” said Bagunas. “Maganda pinakita namin sa World Championship, pero siyempre dapat ‘yung mindset dito iba ulit kasi iba ‘yung kalaban, ibang tournament. So, kailangan mag-doble effort parin every game.”
[ALSO READ: Alas Men take rising expectations in stride at SEA Games 2025]
Bagunas also called on the volleyball community and the broader Filipino audience to show their full support as the country competes in Thailand.
“To all volleyball Filipino fans, inaasahan po namin ang buong supportan niyo sa buong Filipino athlete dito sa darating na SEA Games. Pinapangako po namin, ibibigay namin ang 100% namin. Inaasahan po namin ang pag-supporta niyo.”
Bagunas and Alas Men look to carry their momentum and return to the podium for the first time since their historic silver medal finish back in 2019.
[ALSO READ: SCHEDULE | Team Philippines competes at SEA Games 2025 Thailand]
(With reports from Nic Earnshaw/Cignal)
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.