SEA Games PHL flag bearer Jason Balabal to honor Igorot roots by wearing 'bahag'

Wrestler Jason Balabal will wear the traditional ‘bahag’ outfit when he carries the Philippine flag during the march of athletes in the opening ceremony of the 27th Southeast Asian Games on December 11 at the Wunna Theikdi Stadium in Naypyitaw, Myanmar.

PH delegation chef de mission Jeff Tamayo said parading in the attire will showcase the Filipinos’ spirit and culture as the country joins 10 other nations when the Games are formally declared open.

Aside from being a wrestler, Tamayo said Balabal is also a member of the Igorot ethnic community, making him the perfect model to wear the outfit.

“We want to show ‘yung dugong warrior ng mga Pilipino as well as ‘yung traditional culture by wearing a bahag,” said Tamayo, a known advocate of ethnic groups, having been the organizer of the Tribal Games in the past.

Balabal is aiming for a third straight SEA Games gold medal since first competing in the meet in 2009 in Laos. - Reuben Terrado, SPIN