THE Philippine delegation, composed of 47 athletes, has begun arriving in Chengdu, China, ahead of the World Games, which kicks off on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025.
The athletes, a mix of seasoned veterans and promising rising stars, will compete in non-Olympic sports over the 11-day tournament.
The men’s floorball team was among the first to land on Sunday, getting a feel for the Xindu Xiangcheng Sports Centre ahead of their first preliminary game against Latvia on Thursday at 9 a.m.
Meanwhile, cable wakeboard sensation Raph Trinidad and wushu athletes Agatha Wong and Jones Inso will depart for Tianfu — the main transport hub for international arrivals -- early Tuesday, Aug. 5. Wake surfer Eric Ordoñez will also leave from Hong Kong for a short flight to the mainland on Tuesday afternoon.
The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), led by president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, has named Trinidad and Wong as the country’s flag bearers in the parade of athletes during the opening ceremony.
“I am deeply grateful for the incredible honor and opportunity to showcase to the world that Filipinos have the talent and spirit to excel in wakeboarding,” said Trinidad, who prepared for the games at the Deca Wakepark Clark in Pampanga.
“While I can’t predict the outcome, one thing is certain — I will give my absolute best. This is for my family, for everyone and for the wakeboarding community,” added the accomplished 23-year-old athlete.
Both Trinidad and Ordoñez will try to qualify for the semifinals on Friday, Aug. 8, at the Sancha Lake Taohuadao Arena, while Wong and Inso will compete in the taolu event on the same day at the Hi-Tech Zone Sports Gymnasium.
The largest group is expected to arrive on Wednesday, Aug. 6, including the 12-man dragon boat team, muay thai star Rudzma Abubakar and the duathlon team led by Kim Mangrobang. They will settle into the Athletes’ Village, dubbed the “Chengdu Home,” which can accommodate up to 7,000 participants.
Billiards world champions Rubilen Amit and Chezka Centeno, 10-ball specialist Jeff de Luna and Asian Games medalists Annie Ramirez and Kaila Napolis of jiu-jitsu are set to follow on Friday. / RP2 SPORTS