Cebu: ready for the world

While uncertainty and apprehension surrounds the venues, television coverage and other preparations for the 23rd Southeast Asian Games, none of that is palpable in Cebu, which is hoping to deliver 20 gold medals in the events it is hosting. On the contrary, the province is a show of unity and readiness, waiting for the Games to bring out the best in them.

The official launch of the Cebu Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (CebuSOC) was a clear example. The lavish program, held at a packed provincial capitol social hall Monday morning, starred outstanding local dancers and choirs. Governor Gwen Garcia and Mayor Tommy Osmeña led local government officials, while Philippine Sports Commission chairman Butch Ramirez, commissioner Richie Garcia and Rep. Monico Puentevella brought not only good tidings, but a gift, as well: a check for P10 million from Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo through Philsoc.

"We are very fortunate that the financials have been taken care of," said a relieved Jonathan Guardo, chairman of CebuSOC. "Now, we can concentrate on the operational side of things. We need approximately 4,000 volunteers to make sure the Games run smoothly. This is the first time we are holding an international sporting event of this magnitude."

During the program, Garcia, Osmeña and Ramirez unveiled the official CebuSOC logo, which incorporates the rings symbolizing the SEAG in gleaming gold. The performances also highlighted the native dances of Cebu, and included tributes to icons of the province, such as the Sto. Niño, Magellan’s cross and the local guitar industry. Visitors present concurred that the province seemed to have spread the word better than their more experienced counterparts.

"Even the Thai officials who visited said that they could not feel the excitement of the SEA Games in Manila, but they feel it in Bacolod and here in Cebu," declared Puentevella, who was instrumental in convincing the President to allow cities outside Metro Manila to host the Games. "I hope we will start seeing banners of the SEA Games from Ninoy Aquino Airport all the way to Manila."

"We are very fortunate that those on our committee are Cebuanos who are passionate about sports," Guardo added. "There is a very high awareness level among Cebuanos. The preparations are almost finished."

One of the main advantages of Cebu is that there are no problems with the venues. University of San Carlos Gym and Mandaue Cultural and Sports Complex were both renovated earlier in the year to accommodate international volleyball tournaments. Incidentally, USC’s Warriors are now coached by Mike Reyes, a former player and younger brother of national team coach Chot Reyes. Waterfront Hotel, site of the opening-day dancesport competition, is used to holding ballroom dancing events, having hosted the southern Philippines competition a few weeks ago. Dancesport is one of the five priority sports of Mayor Osmeña’s sports council.

"We are very happy with the way Cebu has been preparing," Ramirez confessed. "They have been very enthusiastic and working together for the good of the Games. They will make a very good impression on our visitors."

Cebu City is the first local government unit to create its own city sports commission, and local governments around the country have actually consulted Cebu when setting up their own. Their only concern now is some last-minute setting up, the opening ceremonies, and some minor operational concerns.

"While we have had experience in local and national competitions, we have no experience yet with competitions like this," Guardo admitted. "That’s why we’ve been working very hard the past few months, to make sure we overcome any lack of experience."

At the end of the program, the Cebuano athletes who will be representing the country in front of their home crowd were introduced to loud applause.

"If I were a visitor, I would have a lot to look forward to," Guardo concluded. "There are many tourist attractions here, and we have a great night life. Then there are the games themselves. We’re very excited about dancesport, a very popular sport here. The martial arts are also going to be exciting: judo and pencak silat, which we are strong in. Sepak takraw also. We hope to contribute to the performance of the country as a whole."

In other words, Cebu is telling the other countries: bring it on.