Francis Libiran found new ways to showcase the Philippine flag with the barong, to be worn by Filipino Olympians during the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
Fighters, both inside and out.
Boxers and Team Philippines flagbearers Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam showed off the barong Filipino athletes would be wearing during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 opening ceremonies.
Francis Libiran, who has been consistently tapped to design the parade wear for national athletes, chose a warrior route this year.
Mainly crafted from piña-jusi fabric, the barong features a detailed collar as well as a detachable silk organdy sling with embroidered sun rays and Pintados-inspired warrior patterns.
"This barong symbolizes bravery and national pride. In detail, every element of the design showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines," the Philippine Olympic Committee wrote.
[ALSO READ: Punch of elegance: Flag bearers Carlo Paalam, Nesthy Petecio will sport Francis Libiran’s barong in Paris 2024]
Check out the close-up details here.
It's only fitting that boxers would be the first to wear the barong--especially as flagbearers.
"Surprised, blessed, and thankful na napili po ako na isa sa magdadala ng bandila ng Pilipinas," Tokyo 2020 silver medalist Nesthy Petecio told One Sports.
"Sobrang saya po. Hindi lang apelyido dala namin. Buong Pilipinas po, tsaka team Pilipinas,” fellow silver medalist Carlo Paalam added. "Sobrang thankful po. Sobrang saya po kasi lalaban na hindi lang para sa sarili namin."
[ALSO READ: Paris 2024: Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam honored to carry Philippine flag in Olympics]
The two pugilists debuted the garment during the send-off ceremonies on Friday.
Team Philippines will then fly to Metz in France for a month-long training before the official start of Paris 2024.
(With reports from Jan Ballesteros/One Sports)
Story summary:
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Boxers Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam unveiled the official barong designed by Francis Libiran for Filipino athletes to be worn at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 opening ceremony.
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The barong, crafted from piña-jusi fabric, features intricate details such as an embroidered collar and a silk organdy sling adorned with sun rays and Pintados-inspired warrior patterns, symbolizing bravery and national pride.
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Petecio and Paalam, chosen as flag bearers, expressed gratitude and pride in representing the Philippines, emphasizing their role extends beyond personal achievement to representing the entire nation at the global stage.
[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital team. The summary was generated by AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]