BY THE MANILA BULLETIN SEAG TEAM
Participants and athletes from the Philippines parade in the 30th SEA Games opening at Philippine Arena, Bocaue, Bulacan, November 30, 2019. (MB Photo / Rio Leonelle Deluvio)
The 30th Southeast Asian Games duration became a golden feat for me in the same way with how the athletes dedicated every ounce of their blood, sweat and tears to get their medals — be it gold, silver or bronze — and bring honor to their respective countries.
For a rookie in the industry responsible for online operations, covering both the historic opening and closing ceremonies was not an easy task, from posting stories and handling social media to writing stories and etching history all in one.
But being part of it strengthened my sense of duty as a sportswriter and a journalist. It’s as if all hard work paid off after a long and winding road despite being physically and mentally drained after wrapping up the day.
Hearing the roaring crowd from different countries, witnessing the unity of people from the 11 nations and feeling the camaraderie of teams and athletes gave me a sigh of relief being with a solid team who pulled off the SEA Games coverage. – CARLO ANOLIN
Jamie Christine Lim, daughter of basketball great Samboy Lim, celebrates after defeating Indonesia’s Ceyco Zefanya to bag the gold medal in women’s +61kg kumite event of the 30th Southeast Asian Games at World Trace Center, Dec. 9, 2019. (MB Photo / Rio Leonelle Deluvio / Canon 1DX Mark II with 70-200mm f2.8 lens)
So many athletes shed tears during the 30th Southeast Asian Games here, many to celebrate a win – be it a gold medal, silver or bronze – while there were some who wept after falling short in their goal to achieve victory after long hours of training the previous two years.
If there’s one that really melts the heart, however, it’s the story of ‘SamGirl’ Jamie Christine Lim, daughter of PBA legend Avelino ‘Samboy’ Lim and former Pag-IBIG Fund CEO Darlene Berberabe, who won the +61kg kumite event in karatedo.
The 21-year-old honor student from UP cried unabashedly after her triumph. She then dedicated her success to the two most important persons in her life in a most unique manner: “Summa cum laude is for mom, SEA Games gold for dad. I looked up to my mom and dad so much. As in to be compared to him and to mom, parang it’s so big for me. Today is just so special for me.”
And for us, too. – WAYLON GALVEZ
Source: Manila Bulletin
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