"Pami" is the official mascot of the 2019 SEA Games. ABS-CBN Sports

MANILA - Family was the inspiration for the official mascot of the 30th Southeast Asian Games, which the Philippines will host next year.

"Pami," short for the Filipino word "pamilya," is a smiling sponge ball-type figure, Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing committee (Philsgoc) Executive Director Ramon Suzara told ABS-CBN Sports Friday.

“Na-reveal lang muna natin ang (We just revealed the) slogan and the logo but Pami is our official mascot,” he said.

“It should be ready, I think we just need to put it on the awareness and promotions,” he added.

The countdown for the Philippines' hosting of the 2019 SEA Games began Friday at the Bayanihan Park in Angeles, Pampanga.

Earlier this year, the Philippines unveiled the logo for the 30th SEA Games which features 11 circles representing the 11 participating countries formed in the shape of the Philippine archipelago.

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