Raymond Li of the Philippines carries a torch during the 25th Winter Olympics’ flame journey in Morbegno, Italy on Feb. 1, 2026. Li, regional general manager of Uber for Southern, Central, and Eastern Europe, was selected as one of the more than 10,000 torch bearers of the quadrennial meet. (PCGMilan photo)
Two weeks before the Philippines’ alpine skiers hit the slopes in Italy, a Filipino executive has already made his mark on the global stage.
Raymond Li, regional general manager of Uber for Southern, Central, and Eastern Europe, was selected as one of the official torch bearers for the 25th Winter Olympics, carrying the Olympic flame during the Morbegno leg of the relay on February 1.
In the picturesque town of Morbegno in Lombardy, Northern Italy, Li joined 23 other torch bearers in a ceremonial exchange witnessed by thousands. Local officials, Alpine troops, civic groups, and residents lined the streets, turning the relay into a vibrant community celebration that underscored the spirit of the Games.
The Philippine Consulate General in Milan, led by Consul General Jim Tito San Agustin, lauded Li’s participation, saying his role in the relay projected a positive image of the Philippines on the international stage.
The Olympic flame began its journey in Olympia, Greece on November 26, 2025. Since then, it has traveled more than 12,000 kilometers across Italy, passing through all 110 provinces and iconic regions such as Lazio, Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, Piemonte, Valle d’Aosta, Veneto, Sardegna, and Sicilia. More than 10,000 torch bearers have taken part in the relay before the cauldron was officially lit to open the Games on February 7.
The Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics have drawn over 3,500 athletes from 93 nations, including the Philippines.
Carrying the country’s hopes on snow are 22-year-old Francis Ceccarelli and 17-year-old Tallulah Proulx, who will compete in alpine skiing. Ceccarelli is set to race in the men’s giant slalom and slalom on February 14, while Proulx will take on the women’s events on February 15.
The Philippines first appeared in the Winter Olympics in 1972 in Sapporo, Japan. More than five decades later, the country continues its pursuit of a breakthrough podium finish — still chasing its first Winter Olympic medal.
As the torch has already burned in Italian streets carried by a Filipino, the spotlight now shifts to the slopes, where two young athletes aim to carve their own place in history.