Vietnamese construct venues in record time

HANOI, Vietnam (Via Globe Telecom) — First Gentleman Mike Arroyo said he was impressed with the Opening Ceremonies of the 22nd Southeast Asian Games Friday, but said the Philippines can match that in Manila when it hosts the 2005 version.

What it may not be able to match are the venues.

"That’s our problem," he said.

The venues in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh were all built in accordance with world standards and finished way ahead of schedule. Venues for the Manila Games have yet to be started. In fact, the venue for each sport has yet to be determined, and the 2005 SEAG is barely one-and-a-half years away.

Sports leaders apparently are still waiting for the results of the 2004 presidential elections.

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Cellphone Snatching Hanoi Style

Cellphone snatchers here are a rare variety but they exist. Two Vietnamese were booked for the offense after they were caught with their 10th catch of the day during a football match.

Snatchers also use their motorbikes to grab cellphones from unsuspecting users in the street.

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Crazy, These Filipinos

During the flag-raising ceremonies of countries, the sports delegations of Vietnam and Thailand were standing side by side. The blue vests of Vietnam and the yelllow of Thailand were beautifully symmetric, said observant Vietnamese. Laos wore red and the Indonesians white and red.

The Filipinos wore their traditional costumes named Pina Satin (T-shirt) in gray coarse cloth. Some Vietnamese were overheard to be critical of the dress, which they suspect the Filipinos did not iron before they wore it.

"Why you Filipinos wear shirts that look a little bit creasy in a formal gathering?" said a Vietnamese.

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Booter’s Injury Treatable

In a match against Malaysia, Filipino striker Loren David injured her ankle and asked that she be sent back to Manila for treatment. However, medical experts determined that the injury could be treated here and the player can play again, in the Philippines’ match against Vietnam.

Very surprisingly, the Philippines is running third in Group A with two draws (0-0 against Malaysia in the first game and 1-1 against Indonesia in the second). It was second to defending champion Vietnam before their match (with Vietnam) yesterday. Two from the group advance to the semifinals. — Gerry Carpio