Jakarta—The logo of the 2019 Philippine Southeast Asian Games, unveiled by Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano during the Olympic Council of Asia general assembly here on Sunday, drew mixed reactions from netizens.
Comprising of 11 multi-colored circles arranged in the shape of the Philippine map, the logo, Cayetano said, was meant to symbolize unity among the countries taking part in the biennial sporting event.
“Wherever and whenever the games are played, we are one and we will as one,” said Cayetano, who is also the Chairman of the 2019 Philippines SEAG Organizing Committee.
Netizens, however, were quick to bash the logo.
“Wala bang budget for more beautiful logo design, parang drawing ng kinder yan eh, bilog bilog my goodness,” wrote Facebook user Junar Occidental.
Netizen Clinton Balud had a succinct comment: “Pangit.”
“Si Baymax ba yan?” asked Wyben Salazar, referring to the fictional superhero character in the movie Big Hero 6.
Design-wise, the logo had a minimalist look compared to previous logos for the Philippine hosting of the games.
In 2005, the country used a festival mask to capture the exuberant spirit and hospitality of Filipinos. In 1991, a colorful vinta was used to represent the games’ free spirit and mutual cooperation among the Southeast Asian countries.
Cayetano said the Philippines also intends to bid for the hosting of the 2030 Asian Games.