Beautiful
What happens when a US-based firm credited for the handling of the 2012 London Olympics collaborates with one of the Philippines’ top event organizers to oversee the opening ceremonies of the 30th Southeast Asian Games? One word – beautiful.
Because of my present location, I missed the live broadcast but felt really proud that I had twice seen the replay of the ceremonies. An excellent and inspiring job from the artistic director which started from the powerful vocal rendition of the Lupang Hinirang and the showcase of the country’s proud cultural heritage thru regional dances, contemporary and OPM songs. Yes indeed, it was beautiful.
The parade of the 11 participating Southeast Asian nations, with Filipina beauty queens serving as their muses Santa Cruzan style, drew cheers, with the loudest reserved for the host country, that came into the stage to the tune of the 1970s hit “Manila” by the then popular band Hotdog.
Yes, the kaldero was lighted by Sen. Manny Pacquiao and Nesthy Peticio with the accompanying fireworks but it was pre-recorded a week before because of the threat of Typhoon Tisoy, which, since someone failed to say “istap”, eventually made its unwelcome arrival and temporarily disrupted some of the scheduled events.
The choice of the song “Manila” did not sit well with some quarters, particularly the Iron Lady of Davao City, citing exclusivity and missing out the other regions of the country. I liked the catchy song and hearing it again was nostalgic, remembering the days of tight tops, bell-bottom pants and platform shoes. Yup, me and my brother also were fashion victims then.
Because we have different opinions on living and non-living things, there will be times that we won’t be agreeing on issues. Let’s leave “Manila” as is as everyone inside the Philippine Arena, including Tatay Digong who clapped to the tune, obviously enjoyed it. And by the way, history did not mention Lapulapu died battling foreign invaders but was instead immortalized in some legends.
The multi-million peso cauldron, because it was not lit to expectations, had people on social media posting close-up pictures of construction flaws and some “expert” opinions on the supposedly wrong material used. Whatever. Let the coming inquiry, if ever it comes, decide on the matter.
Our athletes, with the homecourt advantage and perhaps inspired by the new facilities, surged to a strong medal haul. As of this writing, we sit at the top with 56 golds, 41 silvers and 22 bronzes. Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore follows. Traditional powerhouses Indonesia and Thailand are way behind at 5th and 6th place respectively but they could do their own medal rush and catch up with the leaders.
At the rate our athletes are going, we could hit the 100-gold mark before the week ends, yet I’m still skeptical of the 220-gold medal mark dreamed by our NSA heads. But sometimes, dreams do come true.
Most of our sporting leaders had been politicized and our politicians favorite sport is ping-pong, paddling insinuations and issues back and forth, yet I’m still a proud Pinoy kayumanggi and I’m looking forward to an equally beautiful ceremony to end the SEAG.
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