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I got to see some clips of it, and I could sense that it was excellently prepared. I wanted to see the whole thing, so I found time to watch the full clip.
And after watching it, I couldn't feel any prouder. Each part will take you to points where the pride of your Filipino identity will gradually increase. You'll be appreciative of how it has been built to be unique through the years.
The ceremony started with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. After which was the presentation of several dances representing the Philippines in the pre-colonial period. I almost shed a tear as I was watching that part. I'm glad that we still remembered a part of our history where we had a rich culture of our own to be proud of.
The dances presented were the Sarimanok, the Ginum (a traditional Bagobo drinking festival dance), the Pattong (a Bontoc war dance inspired by the pre-Hispanic self-defense art of arnis), the Sagayan (a Maguindanao war dance), and the iconic Singkil. A culmination of these dances was worth beholding to form a whole story of the country in that era.
Next were several presentations representing the Philippines in the Spanish colonial period. A social gathering dance called La Jota Manileña was first performed. The Parade of Nations followed after, and the participating Southeast Asian countries were welcomed interestingly in the tradition of Flores de Mayo.
What became more interesting was when the representatives of the host country were welcomed to the song of Manila by Hotdog. The high energy of the Filipinos in the arena was felt. They grooved to each word sung like they're reminiscing the place as somewhere to come back to no matter how far away they could be from it. After which was a welcome song performance to discover the country with the best it can give.
The opening speeches were delivered, followed by the formal opening by President Rodrigo Duterte. After which was the flag of the Southeast Asian Games Federation carried by several Filipino legendary athletes. Seeing athletes like Lydia de Vega- Mercado, Alvin Patrimonio, Efren "Bata" Reyes, Onyok Velasco, and Paeng Nepomuceno gives me pride as they proved the Filipinos' capability to excel in sports. An oath-taking then took place for athletes and officials as they participate in all involved games.
Next was a presentation of the harana, which I find it beautifully showcased together with the bahay-kubo being carried in the middle. The house would then break down to a performance of hip hop songs to represent the modern Philippine era. Hearing songs like Mga Kababayan, Man from Manila, Tayo'y Mga Pinoy, and Bebot now place a deep meaning with me. I was gripped with what the LED backdrop showed while these were sung. I saw Baybayin scripts, Filipino street games, and the Pis Syabit textile of the Tausugs where I felt connected with.
After these songs follow a dance presentation with capiz lanterns. Given that this was around the Christmas season, it was a nice touch. It showed when the various formations were made. The ceremony ended when the best Filipino singers joined together to sing the theme song We Win As One, and the cauldron was lighted by boxing athletes Manny Pacquiao and Nesthy Pelecio.
I was happy to see this ceremony for a few things. We proved that we're capable of a spectacular production like that one. We embodied the true beauty of our culture and proudly showed it to the world. I almost cried when I saw the scene of all dancers from the different country eras dancing to the theme song. It impressed me that there's a beautiful story to be unfolded despite the hardships the country went through. We need to work on the present to create that one. It gives me hope that great things are about to happen.
I loved the message of the theme song. It was a beautiful reminder that there's unity despite the competition between each other. Though we are to do this to our neighboring countries, I hope we do this to our fellowmen as well.
It's really different when you feel unity as a whole group compared to a division of it. It's more powerful if all of you have the same heartbeat for a common goal. It would work effectively if we can start it first by ourselves. I hope that we can start by learning passion, sacrifice, discipline, and respect in ourselves. They can bring up fearlessness, tenacity, and an aim for greater heights. If these are all embodied by all of us, then we can make great teamwork.
And this is a start. The games ended with the Philippines winning the most amount of medals: 149 gold, 117 silver, and 121 bronze. It's a higher record than the time we won in 2005, which is impressive. Filipino surfer athlete Roger Casugay was recognized as the Fair Play Athlete when he helped Indonesian surfer Arip Nurhidayat with his board thrown up in the air from the waves.
These feats show the Filipinos' ability to acquire the athletic spirit. I hope this shows not only in the game from the competition venues but also in the game of life.
It's really different when you feel unity as a whole group compared to a division of it. It's more powerful if all of you have the same heartbeat for a common goal. It would work effectively if we can start it first by ourselves. I hope that we can start by learning passion, sacrifice, discipline, and respect in ourselves. They can bring up fearlessness, tenacity, and an aim for greater heights. If these are all embodied by all of us, then we can make great teamwork.
And this is a start. The games ended with the Philippines winning the most amount of medals: 149 gold, 117 silver, and 121 bronze. It's a higher record than the time we won in 2005, which is impressive. Filipino surfer athlete Roger Casugay was recognized as the Fair Play Athlete when he helped Indonesian surfer Arip Nurhidayat with his board thrown up in the air from the waves.
These feats show the Filipinos' ability to acquire the athletic spirit. I hope this shows not only in the game from the competition venues but also in the game of life.
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