‘Farewell, see you in Thailand’

The 23rd Southeast Asian Games ended the way it started — in a burst of light and colors. Only this time, it heralded the coming of host Philippines as the new sporting king of the region.

Thousands of Filipinos at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, led by President Arroyo, and millions more at home watching the ceremonies on TV, relished the shining moment in the nation’s sporting history.

It took them 14 years to bask in glory, after a heartbreaking loss to Indonesia during the SEAG in Manila in 1991, achieving the feat in less than two weeks of competition against the best in the region with runaway 113-86-92 (gold-silver-bronze) medal finish.

The President, who declared the Games open during ceremonies nine days ago, formally closed the biennial meet, with athletes of the 11 nations set to converge again in Thailand two years from now.

Until then, the Filipinos will reign supreme.

"We bid you farewell with a deep sense of gratitude, warm friendship and camaraderie," the President told the foreign contingents.

"The sportsmanship shown by all the competitors marked the collective sportsmanship of the Southeast Asian region, sharing our proud heritage," she said.

The President arrived at 6 p.m. and joined the members of the Royal families, diplomats and other top government officials for the ceremonies honoring close to 7,000 athletes and officials.

Medal-wearing Filipino athletes Miguel Molina, Benjie Tolentino and Shiela Mae Perez carried Philippine flags during the parade in which competing athletes marched to the beat of Ati-atihan drums.

Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee chief executive officer Jose "Peping" Cojuangco Jr. lauded the Games for once again "championing brotherhood among the Southeast Asian nations."

In a stirring moment, Cojuangco, who is also president of the Philippine Olympic Committee, and POC chairman Robert Aventajado turned over the SEAG Federation flag to Thai Deputy Prime Minister Suwat Lipatapanlop, formally ushering in the Thai kingdom as host of the 2007 Games.

The President, escorted by First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, congratulated the chiefs of mission of all 11 delegations onstage then took her exit after the playing of the Thai national anthem.

It was a brief but meaningful ceremony highlighted by the lighting of a separate cauldron by the chiefs of mission, signifying the continued friendship and unity of the Southeast Asian family.

The athletes, officials, guests and spectators then reveled in another fiesta-like extravaganza orchestrated once again by renowned stage and television director Maria Montelibano.

Jed Madela, grand winner of the recent national performing artist world championship, led the singing of the Philippines National Anthem. Among those who provided grand musical numbers were the San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorale under the baton of musical genius Ryan Cayabyab.

Under a shower of glitter, the Thais put up their own grand production number after the turnover of the SEAG Federation flag.