Aspiring stars in the region will share the stage in the 2024 Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Friendship Games set in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan from Dec. 1 to 5.

The regional tournament originally started 28 years ago in General Santos City. The latest edition was held in Brunei Darussalam in 2018 and will return after almost six years of hiatus.

Aside from the competition, the sports fest aims to showcase the local culture of each country, including their products and services by holding a sports expo and cultural night.

“Itong games na ‘to will give an opportunity to increase the trade industry, tourism by a form of a sports expo, our neighboring countries will have opportunity to promote their activities, fiestas, so may fare sya,” said Torres in Tuesday’s PSA Forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, PSC, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Smart/PLDT, and the 24/7 sports app in the country, ArenaPlus.

“Sports are very important in establishing relationships,” Torres added.

The sports event tackles responsible usage of technology, sports tourism and to strengthen the partnership of the participating countries.

BIMP-EAGA caters to athletes from 16 to 21 years old who must not be a member of a national team.

“We want it to make it bigger and better to make it memorable for everybody,” he added.

The tilt added esports and karate to its lineup of events along with 10 other individual sports.

“Magandang simula to good form to identify athletes [and] we're creating a torch to be passed on the next games and I hope to be carried on as the games continue,” he added.

For PSC Chairman Richard Bachmann, he wants to give an unforgettable experience for the athletes who will visit and compete in Palawan.

“We want them to give them a great experience especially ‘yong mga neighboring countries natin,” Bachmann added.