SUBSCRIBE23rd Southeast Asian Games
The 23rd Southeast Asian Games formally opened at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta last Sunday even if the other venues like Cebu and Bacolod had already opened theirs and games were already played. As of yesterday, the Philippines’ medal tally was: gold, 53 silver, 31 bronze, 37 for a total of 121. This amid the soundings of Thailand on alleged cheating which, POC officials are denying.
On the other hand, last Sunday’s opening was a bit of a bummer. The last time the games were held here in the country was way back in 1991 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. I was there and the venue was more conducive to an international games event than at the Quirino Grandstand. When I arrived at the Luneta, I was quite aghast at the number of people at the park. Not sure though if this was brought out by the games considering that the LRT and MRT were free that day or just regular Sunday visitors enjoying their free time with family and friends.
On to the Quirino Grandstand, I was surprised to see that the bleachers were occupied by uniformed military personnel at one side and VIP’s on the other while the people who came to witness the event were just relegated to the flat field infront. This was not just good for me since you can only witness the events at the stage and not at the parade grounds when the different country participants enter amidst the pomp and revelry of colors. It was just disappointing for me that I just lingered for a while and left.
The different Southeast Asian flags are aflutter while these three men at the Quirino Grandstand grounds were happily posing while holding a gigantic PEACE banner.
Left, the stage of the event where a choral group was performing, background. Foreground, students from the different Manila schools added to the color. Right, a spectator wearing a SEAG headband with the familiar logo that is reminiscent of the mask used in the Bacolod Masskara festival.
Left and right, spectators proudly waving miniature Philippine flags.
At the sidelines, while the event was unfolding, right, a delegate from the Indonesian contingent happily posed with Manila students infront of the Rizal Monument while, left, a celebrity, was signing autographs to curious but starry-eyed school girls.
