Filipinos have now seen the new and unique design of the medals that will be awarded to winning athletes at the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games to be hosted by the Philippines from November 30 to December 11, 2019.
Filipino metal artist-sculptor Daniel dela Cruz revealed the inspired features of the elements and special facets in the expression of his works that embodied aspects of the Philippines as the host country.
On the front or obverse side of the medal is the large image of a “Sail” that is reminiscent of sails on Filipino boats, while the logo of the 30th SEA Games is strategically placed on the center of the sail. Behind it is a circular backdrop with wavy lines representing waves in the archipelagic Philippines. On its border are etched the words, “Philippines 2019”.
At the back or reverse side of the medal are images of the sports facilities at the New Clark City. Inscribed on the border of the medal are “30th SEA GAMES” and the particular sporting event it will be given, which was rendered using high-density etching.
“How often do we get to host the SEA Games? For me, to be able to play a small part in that and to be able to know that our athletes will be able to bring home, hopefully and I believe so, most of the gold, parang nakakataba ng puso,” dela Cruz said to media.
In case anyone is wondering, are Gold Medals made of real gold? Sorry, not since the 1912 Stockholm Olympics.
Other than the gold medals having a 24 karat gold plating finish, the wave design on the front is made of rhodium which is a very precious metal placed through the means of bi-plating technology.
For the first time, the bronze medal that used to have the dull brown bronze texture is given a rose gold appearance and better finish.
“Whether you win bronze, silver or gold is already a success… Kadalasan po ‘yung bronze, ‘pag sinabi ninyo pong bronze, ang kulay ng medal ay para ho siyang brown. Kauna-unahang beses na imbes na bronze, ang bansa natin ay gumawa ng ang tinatawag na kulay ay rose gold,” Dela Cruz said.
The design of the ribbons used to hold the medals is a little wider and is inspired using colors associated with the SEA Games while the backside showcase the traditional Philippines’ weave patterns.
There are around 4800 gold, silver, and bronze medals that will be awarded in 56 sports categories of the 2019 SEA Games.
The public has also been given a good look at the surprisingly beautiful elegant torch inspired by our national flower, the “Sampaguita” (jasmine), which is used for the torch relay leading to the opening of the biennial regional games.
The ceremonial torch relay actually kicked off a month before the SEA Games after the ceremonial turnover of the flame from the 2017 SEA Games host country, Malaysia. The torch has been to Davao and Cebu and will have its final leg at the Bayanihan Park of the New Clark City in Tarlac as the 30th SEA Games Opening Ceremonies is held on November 30 at the Philippine Sports Arena in Bulacan.
The 30th SEA Games Opening Ceremonies show is a collaboration of world-class Filipino performers led by Apl.de.Ap of Black Eyed Peas, Broadway star Lea Salonga who is singing the SEA Games theme song, and National Art for Music Ryan Cayabyab.
SEND congratulations in the comments below to Daniel dela Cruz for designing the SEA Games medals and torch inspired by the Philippines’ culture.
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