The 2019 South East Asian (SEA) Games Ceremonial Torch for the biennial regional sports tournament to be hosted by the Philippines is inspired by the country’s national flower, the Sampaguita.
The new design for the torch that will be lit up to signal the start of the 30th SEA Games was revealed on August 22 to mark the 100-days countdown to the sporting event scheduled to be held from November 30 to December 11, 2019,
Renowned Filipino metal sculptor Daniel dela Cruz and Philippine South East Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) Chief Operating Officer Ramon Suzara unveiled the official 30th SEA Games Torch carrying the Philippine Sampaguita and other national symbols.
Suzara explained that the torch signifies “the Philippines’ goal of lighting the way towards a higher level of organizing the biennial games which is on its 30th year.”
The PHISGOC COO also said the Sampaguita-inspired SEA Games torch represents the Filipino passion for excellence while being a cooperative nation in the region.
“The torch’s design itself is representative of our culture of excellence and our desire for unity among the member states of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations),” Suzara said.
The Philippines’ Sampaguita symbolizes humility, simplicity, purity, a promise to love, warm welcome, and adoration.
Sampaguita, which is also known as Philippine jasmine, recently gained global attention when Miss Universe Catriona Gray wore a jumpsuit outfit inspired by the national flower during her homecoming parade. The Sampaguita is also used in the world-award-winning Filipino ARC Botanical Gin.
Aside from the country’s national flower, the torch also bears the 8-rayed sun from the Philippine flag. The rays represent the eight provinces of Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Laguna, Batangas, and Cavite which fought against Spain during the colonial era. The rays symbolize sovereignty, social equality, independence, and unity.
It can be recalled that the official barong uniform of the Philippine delegation to the SEA Games also bears the Philippine flag’s 8-rayed sun designed by Filipino fashion designer Francis Libiran.
The ceremonial torch relay will kick off a month before the games once the previous torch arrives from the 2017 SEA Games host country, Malaysia.
The relay will start in Davao, then it will go to Cebu, and Manila.
From Manila, the torch will be brought to Tagaytay, then back to Manila before it proceeds to one of the 30th SEA games sporting venues in Clark City.
TELL US in the comments below, what you think of the Sampaguita-inspired SEA Games Torch and SEND congratulations to the SEA Games organizers for showcasing Philippine symbols!
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