Let the games begin
Credit to Author: Monico Puentevella| Date: Mon, 02 Dec 2019 16:10:39 +0000
Except for the “Mahiwagang Kaldero,” it was quite a show the other night for the SEA Games opening ceremony. But it would have been a bit better, if the original songstress, our dear Lea Salonga, who sang the original theme song was there. Heard she was paid P1.4M just to tape the song? Wow. Did she tell the organizers she would not make it for the opening salvo? If she did, boy that’s quite a talent fee. Just to tape the song? Hmmm. Just right to open with a bang. It was worth P600M. At least, the “sick man” of Asia was also seen dancing the night away. Good medicine for him. He claims he’s getting worse these day. Hope these Games will rejuvenate him.
What a mess
Taped lighting of the famous “Kaldero”? That dampened the opening night. If it is true that the lighting of the cauldron was pre taped, and Pacquiao was already in Gen San at the same time watching himself on TV, then the P55M cauldron would still be a super item in the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee after the Games are over. So that was the “secret” they were telling us about. Fake lighting pala. Not LIVE..wow. Hope this is not fake news. Anyway, kudos to the Director, to Maestro Ryan, and Speaker Alan for trying to cover it up with a good musicale. First time in history of the SEA Games to do it on Indoor Arena.
MESS? Almost missed this column for the first time. You know why? Because our equipment for weightlifting of which I’m the president for fourteen years now, arrived from China just the evening before the competition started yesterday. No “homecourt advantage” here. Our kids haven’t even touched it till the real thing.
In case you’re interested, our Olympic silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz, performed yesterday at the Ninoy Aquino Gym inside Rizal Memorial. My blood pressure has been goin’ up and down the last two days. If not for “love of country,” I would have dumped this thing in the trash bin and hell would break loose for Phisgoc. And this mess is not happening only in weightlifting but in many others. I heard wailing and gnashing of teeth the whole weekend. But then, let’s just keep quiet and win the games. Right? Oh, don’t worry, we’ll win this Games hands down. YES. With our inspired athletes, supported by PSC and POC, they won’t let us down. Even with all this mess running around, we’ll clobber our visitors. This happened in 2005. History will repeat itself.
By the way, thanks Mr. President and my friend Sen. Bong Go. I took the cudgel to publicly appeal for free gates to the Games to inspire our athletes as former POC Chairman and you responded. Daghang Salamat. This is our key to winning these Games. With everyone, especially those who could not afford to buy tickets cheering by the sidelines, WE SHALL WIN THESE SEAGAMES. Mabuhay ang ATLETANG PILIPINO. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL.