Filipino Boxing Stars Petecio and Paalam Lead as Flag Bearers at Paris Olympics Opening

Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam are all set to carry the Philippine flag wearing modern Barong SINAG designed by Francis Libiran. Photos from Francis Libiran on Facebook.

Filipino Olympic boxing medalists Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam are the Philippines’ flag bearers for the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Petecio and Paalam will carry the Philippine flag wearing SINAG, the modern Barong designed by Francis Libiran to showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage and the Filipino people’s bravery and national pride.

Libiran’s barong is crafted from Philippine piña-jusi fabric and features a detachable silk organdy sling with embroidered sun rays and Pintados-inspired warrior patterns.

The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) announced the selection of Petecio and Paalam on June 17, in appreciation of their silver medal finish at the 2020 Tokyo Games.

Petecio previously served as the flag bearer for the closing ceremonies of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Petecio and Paalam, alongside bronze medalist Eumir Marcial, booked their return trip to the Olympics to vie for the Philippines’ next Olympic gold medal.

Joining the three Tokyo medalists are Olympic debutants Aira Villegas and Hergie Bacyadan, marking the country’s biggest boxing delegation since the 1996 Atlanta Games.

Team Philippines arrived in Paris on June 23 to prepare for the Paris Olympics from July 26 to August 11.

The Philippines’ roster for Paris includes the following athletes:

• Boxers Aira Villegas, Hergie Bacyadan, Carlo Paalam, Nesthy Petecio, Eumir Felix Marcial
• Fencer Samantha Catantan
• Golfers Bianca Pagdanganan and Dottie Ardina
• Gymnasts Carlos Yulo, Emma Malabuyo, Levi Ruivivar, Aleah Finnegan
• Judoka Kiyomi Watanabe
• Pole vaulter EJ Obiena
• Rower Joanie Delgaco
• Swimmers Kayla Sanchez and Harold Hatch
• Weightlifters Vanessa Sarno, John Febuar Ceniza, and Elreen Ando

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