CHENGDU, China — Colors of different nations come in one piece, all reveling on a backdrop of cultural display and Chinese modernity as the 2025 World Games unwraps Thursday evening at the Tianfu International Convention Centre.
Wushu star Agatha Wong and cable wakeboard sensation Raph Trinidad will lead the Philippine contingent in the opening parade that will highlight the ceremony advertised as an extravagant show of heritage and innovation in an urban setting.
Set at 8 p.m., the organizers veered away from staging the opening in a stadium and will instead take the participants on the wooden eaves of a massive gallery, creating an open-air vibe with the massive Qinhuang lake on the side giving a natural charm.
Chef de mission Stephen Arapoc will join the flag bearers along with the other Filipino athletes in Chengdu who are all encouraged to take part in the festivities barring any conflict on arrival or training.
“I am excited because it is my first time in an opening ceremony. I just want myself to enjoy and live throughout the experience,” Wong said.
From there, the Philippine representatives, supported by the Philippine Olympic Committee headed by president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, will see a unique torch-lighting ceremony on the waters, with local Chinese bets passing the torch through a motorboat and skiers completing the ignition, a three-part fireworks display, and all the dramatic Sichuan-style performances to end the night.
Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio is expected to watch from the spectators row along with prominent Chinese officials and World Games executives led by president Jose Perurena Lopez.