G.A. Viray
A uniform serves as an identity of a group of people, and at times, it can represent a nation. However, the Philippine athletes at the recent SEA Games wore their uniform in a way which actually represents the country incorrectly.
Filipino-American SEA Games athletes Eric Shauwn Cray and Kayla Anise Richardson made news not only because they won gold medals in their respective 100-meter events, but because both of them had the Philippine flag sewn upside down on their uniforms.
When the flag is upside down, it means a country is at war.
Please continue supporting #Haiyan relief. @DougBaldwinJr appreciates your generosity. #PinoyPower pic.twitter.com/XbhoB8iNnm
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) November 18, 2013
In 2013, the Seattle Seahawks’ Doug Baldwin Jr. carried the Philippine flag upside down.
@migzmoldez @DougBaldwinJr We are fighting the devastation of #Haiyan which has been worse than many war-torn regions of the world.
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) November 18, 2013
As Seattle Seahawks explained, it was because they are fighting the devastation of typhoon Haiyan.
So what could be the possible explanation of the inverted Philippine flag at the recent SEA Games?
According to ABS-CBN and the Inquirer, officials say it was just a wardrobe malfunction.
Philip Ella Juico, Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) chief, said it was an error from the supplier.
“The inverted Philippine flag is a supplier error which is being corrected. It was stitched on in just a few competition uniforms.”
Abigail Valte, the presidential spokeswoman, also clarified that it was just an oversight.
“It must have been an oversight, which I am certain they will correct once brought to their attention.”
What do you think of this wardrobe malfunction? Leave a comment below.
