The ceremonial long relay of runners carrying torches to convey the
flame to the site of the games will be witnessed in the upcoming biennial
multi-sport event of the Southeast Asian region. Extending in the same
direction, the torch is carried ceremonially during sports events to embody
purity and struggle for perfection. A flaming torch is a beacon of light that
is ignited to shine forth and set alight. It is an insignia of both
enlightenment and faith. A torch held up high signifies life, veracity and the
renewing power of flame. It is likened to a belief, tradition, acumen or
knowledge; a torch with origins in the past that is passed on to the next
generation. The flame is an emblem used in the Olympic movement – a symbol of
accord and friendship.
The 2019 SEA Games will be held from November 30, 2019 to December 11, 2019 and
will be participated by eleven nations namely: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia,
Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste and
Vietnam. The Philippines will host the upcoming 30TH Southeast Asian Games for
the fourth time. With 100 days to go before the 30TH SEA Games this November
2019, The Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) bared
that the SEA Games torch has been designed and tested. According to PHISGOC COO
Ramon Suzara, the torch is a representative of the Philippines’ goal of
lighting the way towards a higher level of organizing the biennial games which
is on its 30TH year. Suzara added that the torch design itself is representative
of our culture of excellence and our desire for unity among the member states
of ASEAN.
The parading of the flame will also be witnessed during the Torch Run and the
Opening Ceremony of the 2019 SEA Games. The official torch to be used in the upcoming
regional sports event has been designed by the country’s foremost metal
sculptor, Daniel dela Cruz. It will be a signature piece of artwork portraying
national symbols of the Philippines. His torch design for the 30TH SEA Games is
inspired by and is a stylized interpretation of our Philippine national flower
– the sampaguita, symbolizing purity, simplicity, humility and strength. The
hammered portion of metal harks back to our traditional crafts of metal
working. The eight-rayed golden sun symbolizes unity, sovereignty, social
equality, and independence. The sun with its eight rays is reflective of the
Philippine flag representing the first eight provinces of the country that rose
up in insurrection against Spain: Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija,
Tarlac, Laguna, Batangas and Cavite.
Daniel dela Cruz is mainly known for his unique style of metal working, a
technique of combining different metals to form highly intricate and expressive
works of art. His crowning achievement to date is the creation and the
installation of the country’s largest Crucifix which stands 7 meters high
installed in September 2016 at the St. Michael Archangel Parish Church,
Bonifacio Global City.
