Filipino wrestler, Jason Balabal, the country’s flag-bearer in the opening ceremony of the 27th Southeast Asian Games on Wednesday, December 11, 2013, honors his “Igorots” roots as he wears the traditional “bahag.”
Jason Balabal also settled for silver medal in the Graeco-Roman events in wrestling after he lost to against eventual gold medalist Chheang Hong Kov, a Cambodian-North Korean wrestler during the second round match to take runner-up honors.
The Ifugao native Jason Balabal failed to land a third straight gold medal in wrestling after he entered the event four years ago, he debuted as gold medalist during the 2009 Laos SEA Games.
Jason Balabal wear the traditional outfit “bahag” when he carries the Philippine flag during the march of athletes in the opening ceremony held at the Wunna Theikdi Stadium in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar.
The Philippine delegation chef de mission Jeff Tamayo stated during an interview that parading the attire will showcase the Filipinos’ spirit and culture as the country joins 10 other nations during the opening ceremonies attended by international sports personalities in the Southeast Asian region.
Watch the opening ceremony video of the Myanmar SEA Games:
