By Gabriela Baron
The 30th Southeast Asian Games officially opened with a grand opening ceremony at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan on Saturday.
Participants from the Philippines parade in the SEA Games opening at Philippine Arena, Bocaue, Bulacan, November 30, 2019 (Rio Leonelle Deluvio)
Several viewers online made sure their voices heard on social media as #SEAGames2019, #SEAGamesOpeningCeremony, and #30thSEAGames emerged as top trending topics on Twitter even the day after the event.
The world-class production and goosebumps performances for the opening ceremonies of the Games earned the nod of celebrities and netizens alike.
SEA Games Opening ceremony… it’s a yes for me! #SEAgames2019#WeWinAsOne
— Angel Locsin (@143redangel) November 30, 2019
Lydia De Vega- Mercado. Eric Buhain. Akiko Thompson- Guevarra. Alvin Patrimonio. Bong Coo. Efren “Bata” Reyes. Onyok Velasco. Paeng Nepomuceno.
GOOSEBUMPS seeing you all in one stage!!!! MABUHAY KAYO! #SEAGames2019 #WeWinAsOne— Nikki Valdez Garcia (@nikkivaldez_) November 30, 2019
Former Ateneo Women’s Volleyball teammates Gretchen Ho and Fille Cainglet-Cayetano both lauded the impressive opening.
Nakakaiyak na binibigyang pugay ang mga atletang Pilipino #SEAGames2019
— Gretchen Ho (@gretchenho) November 30, 2019
Ang Ganda!#2019SEAGames#WeWinAsOne yung ang taas lagi ng level di ka maka bwelo sa SAYA!
— Fille C. Cayetano
(@FilleisFly) November 30, 2019
A trip down memory lane
Filipino sporting legends who some grew up only reading in books showed up to carry the Southeast Asian Games Federation flag.
Seven-time SEA Games track gold medalist Lydia de Vega led the crew including six-time bowling world champion Paeng Nepomuceno, four-time bowling world champion Bong Coo, Olympic silver medalist Onyok Velasco, 4-time Asian Games medalist Alvin Patrimonio, 15-time SEA Games gold medalist swimmer Eric Buhain, and seven-time SEA Games gold medalist swimmer Akiko Thomson.
Meanwhile, four-time eight-ball champion Efren “Bata” Reyes who drew the loudest applause, will see action in his possibly last SEA Games. Reyes is set to represent the country in carom billiards.
I am so proud to see my Mom, Lydia De Vega as one of the federation flag bearers for the 30th Southeast Asian Games. I had chills when they announced her name; and kilig when I saw her wave to the crowd with matching flying kisses https://t.co/ivuYpMjdmG
— Stephanie Mercado (@paneng_mercado) December 1, 2019
Ya’ll don’t know how much I screamed when Sir Efren “Bata” Reyes was shown on tv, still with that very familiar humble smile of his It was my dream to see him play live, even once This legend will forever have my respect ❤#30thSEAGAMESpic.twitter.com/EOdeYQAtX4
— chi (@chireen818) November 30, 2019
Lydia De Vega? Eric Buhain? Alvin Patrimonio? Efren “Bata”Reyes? Onyok Velasco? Paeng Nepomuceno? Dang, they are my childhood #30thSEAGAMES
— Mira. (@myrabells_) November 30, 2019
Grand opening
Spectators were treated to world-class performances that featured native dances from Northern Luzon’s La Jota Moncadeña and Mindanao’s Singkil were showcased as well as Filipino martial arts such as arnis, escrima, and kali during the opening ceremony.
Finale performance in the SEA Games opening at Philippine Arena (Rio Leonelle Deluvio)
The parade of athletes from the participating countries was led by 11 Filipina beauty queens including Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach and Miss World 2013 Megan Young.
The 50-000-high spirited crowd sang along to Hotdog’s “Manila” as the Philippine delagation made its way to the stage.
Meanwhile, musical performers Robert Seña, Ana Fegi, Christian Bautista, Aicelle Santos, Jed Madela, Elmo Magalona, KZ Tandingan, Iñigo Pascual, the TNT Boys, and Apl.de.ap dazzled the crowd.
Boxing champions Manny Pacquiao and Nesthy Petecio lit the 50-meter high cauldron located at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.
The 30th Southeast Asian Games was dubbed as the “biggest SEA Games” with the most number of sporting events at 56 in the biennial meet’s 60-year history.
Source: Manila Bulletin
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