Philippines, the host for this year's Southeast Asian Games, has surprised the world with its spectacular and festive opening ceremony yesterday at the Philippine Arena and New Clark City Sports Hub.
Without any delays, the program began with Lani Misalucha singing the Philippine national anthem. It was then followed by a Sarimanok dance. The Sarimanok is a symbol of the Maranao art.
More Filipino dances were showcased on the opening number such as dances from the Ifugaos of Northern Philippines and Maranaos of Southern Philippines dancing Singkil. A folk dance displaying the Spanish influence was also performed. And there was also a dance showing Philippines' national sport, Arnis.
This was followed by the parade of the delegates from each Southeast Asian country participating the games. The parade was led by a Filipina beauty queen which shows another culture of Filipinos, the Santacruzan or Flores de Mayo. Of course, the beauty queen representative for the Philippines was Pia Wurtzbach.
I am definitely sure that every nation is proud to see their countrymen walking on the parade.
Even President Rodrigo Roa Duterte was dancing to the song "Manila" but only with a hand. 😆
Moving to the most talked about portion of the ceremony was the lighting of the cauldron while the song "We Win As One" is being sung by world class Filipino singers. I totally did not expect that the cauldron will be lighted during the song. I was so focused on the message of the song until the rhythm changed and Manny Pacquiao suddenly appeared running with the torch. There has been a short mystery too which suprised everyone when Pacquiao stopped and turned to the camera and removed the hood of his jacket to reveal his face. Oh my, I know everyone had goosebumps at that part! It was so cinematic! The powerful rhythm filled with grit and fire to win, plus the legendary Pacman and amazing cinematography just fits perfectly for the climax of the ceremony. The cauldron lighted with the simultaneous fireworks is just wow!!!
Everyone felt the power and I am sure every Filipino felt so proud of this historical moment. Philippines is a third world country and I feel teary-eyed seeing that my country have shown the world that we can also be on par with successful and rich countries. This shows that Filipinos can, only if we stand united and keeping detractors on the side. I wish this doesn't only happen on the games but on our government too!
I find it also great that the opening ceremony happened on the 30th of November, same day as the celebration of the birth of Andres Bonifacio, the Father of Philippine Revolution. What a great day to feel the fire of being proud of our country and being a Filipino.
As of today, the Philippines have already won 8 gold medals.
Mabuhay Pilipinas!