5 things you need to know about the SEA Games 2019 medal

The 30th Southeast Asian Games hosted by the Philippines are coming up, and only region's finest athletes will walk up the podium and wear the ultimate sign of victory around their necks.

Before the games begin, here are a few things you need to know about the 2019 SEA Games medal.

1. It's Filipino-made

The medals were designed by Filipino artist-sculptor Daniel dela Cruz, who discussed the medal's significance in an interview on "Unang Balita."

"Ang SEA Games, para sa akin, ay isang bagay na makakapagbuo ng mga bansa, makakapag-unite sa atin and, at the same time, for once, this is something that is a cause to celebrate. (A) cause to be proud of," he said.

2. They looked to the sea 

Dela Cruz said he came up with the design based on the fact that the sea has brought the Philippines and its Southeast Asian neighbors together in more ways than one.

"Ang unang naisip ko ay tayo ay isang archipelago. It is the Southeast Asian games competition and most of our neighbors...mostly became our neighbors due to the sea trade and that is how we got to know each other —  that is how we got together."

3. That's not a moon

The center of the medal is dominated by a big, shiny crescent that bears the SEA Games logo.

Dela Cruz clarified it's actually a sail for boats which, Dela Cruz said, was something "we had in common with everyone else."

4. Watch for an interesting 'optical illusion'

The fine "waves" design etched into the inner portion of the medal's circle to signify the Philippine archipelago possess a special quality, Dela Cruz said.

"It is a very new technique, to be able to do something like this, kumbaga may pagka-optical illusion kung makita niyo po sa malapit, medyo nagi-iba iba 'yung kulay," he said.

5. Rosy "bronze"

Last but definitely not the least, Ivan Mayrina pointed out that the bronze medal was not exactly the the shade we're used to seeing. It instead gleamed a unique shade, which some would refer to as rose gold

"Ang ganda sa personal nito, kahit bronze medal ka lang...panalo ka pa rin. Ganda ng medal mo," Ivan said. — Margaret Claire Layug/LA, GMA News