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By APD writer Melo M. Acuña
President Rodrigo Duterte opened the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games at the Philippine Arena with over 50,000 spectators at 8:10 P.M. Saturday after the traditional parade of athletes and officials from 11 countries across the sub-region.
The opening ceremonies featured songs and dances from top Filipino performers and featured widely-popular dances from across the country.
His Excellency Sultan and Prime Minister Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei attended the opening rites and sat beside President Duterte. The Sultan came to the Philippines to give moral support to his children and nephew competing in three separate events in the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
Some 8,750 athletes and officials from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste, Vietnam and host Philippines. While the opening ceremonies was held in Bocaue town in Bulacan, Senator Manny Pacquiao, a professional boxer and lawmaker and fellow boxer Nesthy Petecio lit the cauldron in New Clark City, about 80 kilometers from the area.
House Speaker Alan Peter S. Cayetano and Philippine Olympic Committee president Rep. Abraham Tolentino spoke and later introduced President Duterte.
Nearly 20,000 police personnel have been deployed to various sports competition venues to provide security to visitors and local residents. The organizers said 530 gold medals are up for grabs in 56 sport events.
The venues include the New Clark City Sports Hub in Capas, Tarlac, Subic, Zambales, Laguna, Batangas, Tagaytay and Imus in Cavite, City, Rizal Memorial Sports Complex and Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Meanwhile, Filipino weather officials said typhoon “Tisoy” (International Name Kammuri) may pass certain areas main island of Luzon Island packing 150 kilometers per hour and gustiness of about 180 kilometers per hour.
A diplomat said he is worried Typhoon “Tisoy” will bring more rains and affect the scheduled outdoor games.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)