The logo of the Philippines for the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games has just been revealed. Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano presented the logo on Sunday at the Olympic Council of Asia general assembly in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Watch his presentation below.
In his presentation, he said, “Our logo will be the 11 circles representing the 11 countries bound together in the shape of the Philippines to symbolize that wherever and whenever the games are played, we are one and we win as one.”
Despite what seemed to be a nice explanation of the logo, it was not well received by many people on social media. Some mentioned that this was not at the same level of quality as our past logos and some even said that this is just lazy work.
On Twitter, username@sejoalzir shed some light on this.
I’ve never liked the design aesthetics of many Filipino graphic designers–if not literal, meaningless. Yes, I can do design critiques. I have 24 graduate units in visual culture. My interest in visual aesthetics includes Japanese and Scandinavian graphic and industrial designs. pic.twitter.com/0S1GteTWnG
— Miyako Izabel (@sejoalzir) August 20, 2018
A national event logo should not only represent an event but also promote the culture, image, values, industries of the event sponsor. In the case of the SEA Games, the Philippines should be creatively promoted. A set of circles forming a strange-looking Phillippine map is lazy.
— Miyako Izabel (@sejoalzir) August 20, 2018
@sejoalzir compared it to Japan’s logo for the upcoming 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
To illustrate, let me use the logo for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. When you look at it, you’ll become curious about its meaning and you’ll do some research. It’s based on a famous Japanese textile chequered pattern–ichimatsu moyo. The blue color is from Katsushika Hokusai’ prints. pic.twitter.com/1IoOOQfvJO
— Miyako Izabel (@sejoalzir) August 20, 2018
Upon knowing about Hokusai, you’ll perhaps go to a museum in Japan that exhibits his works. That right their promotes arts and culture. The Philippines is rich in culture but Filipino designers, most of the time, ignore its elements–perhaps because of their idea of “modern”. pic.twitter.com/PCu1jN2H2V
— Miyako Izabel (@sejoalzir) August 20, 2018
I can even go further with that logo. It also promotes kabuki theater, Japanese dolls, and sumo wrestling. Sumo has a circular ring (dohyo), and kimonos with that blue pattern are worn by kabuki actors and wooden dolls. Japanese designs have multiple layers of cultural symbols. pic.twitter.com/HkFnIa1okR
— Miyako Izabel (@sejoalzir) August 20, 2018
Japanese graphic designs are symbolically simple and culturally rich, yet visually modern. I hope Filipino designers will study their aesthetics. Modernism doesn’t mean “not traditional” or “not Filipino”. Also, enough with the literal abstraction of vintas or jeepneys. Grow up!
— Miyako Izabel (@sejoalzir) August 20, 2018
Others dabbled in a bit of humor about it.
So Team Philippines has designed this logo for the SEA Games 2019…
And Baymax says hello!!! pic.twitter.com/MiHANRn3Fw
— Mala-Caña Ang Palace (@Simply_Clinton) August 20, 2018
One user even compared it finding the Hidden Mickey.
Philippines’ logo for 2019 Sea Games vs. Other Countries’ logos for the past years.
Anuto?! Find the Hidden Mickey?! Why?! pic.twitter.com/V16YjLPfLK
— Ren??? (@RENderred) August 20, 2018
On Facebook, some reacted saying that this looked like rubbers bands. Some even hoped that this is not the official logo yet.
The Philippines is set to host the 30th SEA Games. This will be held from November to December 2019.
What do you think of our country’s logo for the 2019 SEA Games? Yay? Or could have they done it better? Any suggestions?
