MANILA, Philippines — World Boxing Association welterweight champion Senator Manny Pacquiao had been designated to light the flame that will officially mark the start of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games on November 30 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

The eight-division world champion will officially light the SEA Games cauldron which will symbolize the official opening of the regional, biennial meet.

Pacquiao is one of the main supporters of Team Philippines at the SEA Games. He even gave an inspirational message in Tuesday’s grand send-off to the athletes who will represent the country biennial meet.

This is the second time Pacquiao will lead the nation’s final delegation in the SEAG. He was also the flagbearer at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

Gymnastics World champion Carlos Edriel Yulo was originally the torchbearer.

However, it is not possible for him to become a torchbearer due to conflict with the schedule of gymnastics competition and opening ceremony.