Vietnam to welcome RP, other nations in flag rites

HANOI (Via Globe Telecom)–The Philippines’ presence in the 22nd Southeast Asian Games here becomes official today when its flag is raised to the tune of its national anthem together with those of 10 other countries at the National Stadium.

The ceremony, which also features athletes and officials from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysian, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, East Timor and host Vietnam, starts at 9 a.m.

Julian Camacho, chef de mission of the 600-strong RP delegation, will attend today’s flag-raising activity together with other officials and at least 25 athletes. Commissioner Leon Montemayor will represent Philippine Sports Commission Chair Eric Buhain.

Minister Nguyen Danh Thai, chairman of the Organizing Committee, will welcome the different delegations, while Camacho has been given the honor of making the response on behalf of the participating countries.

The hour-long rites will be capped by the exchange of gift between Minister Nguyen and the different chefs de mission.

The Philippines is seeing action in 28 of 32 events in the cities of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh and Haishung.

Filipino athletes open their campaign in two more events today, rowing and gymnastics.

Rowing president and Philippine Olympic Committee treasurer Benjamin Ramos expects his wards to improve their three-silver, two-bronze showing two years ago in Kuala Lumpur.

"The team is better prepared now," said Ramos.

"Besides. Alvin Amposta and Nestor Cordova, who won a bronze in light men’s double sculls in the Busan Asian Games last year, are confident of bagging a SEA Games gold."