TV5 to air London 2012 closing ceremony

THE much-awaited closing ceremony of 2012 London Olympics will be aired early Monday on the Kapatid Network.

The live Philippine television broadcast begins at 4 a.m. on TV5 with a replay at 8:30 p.m. the same day on AKTV on IBC 13. TV5 also aired the four-hour glitzy opening rites last July 27.

Called the Symphony of British Music, the event will feature some of Great Britain's best artistic exports in the past half-century.

About 4,000 performers, including 3,500 volunteers and 380 schoolchildren will be present during the gathering to cap off the quadrennial games.

Famous girl group Spice Girls, composed of Geri Halliwell, Emma Bunton, Mel C., Mel B. and Victoria Beckham, is expected to take center stage as they were seen rehearsing at Dagenham, East London on Friday.

Other big names set to perform are Brian May, the Pet Shop Boys, Jessie J., Annie Lenox, Tinie Tempah, and George Michael. 1970's chart topper Kate Bush is rumored to make an appearance too along with Suggs from Madness.

Over 10,000 athletes will march in a symbol of unity forged in the past two weeks of the 30th Olympiad. Representatives from 2016 Olympic host Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) will also be introduced during the formal turnover ceremony.

As of Sunday morning, the United States has won 102 medals including 44 golds to top the race for general championship. China is in second place with 87 medals, of which 38 are gold while in third place is Great Britain with 28 gold medals.

The 11-man Philippine delegation end up empty-handed, extending the country’s medal drought to 12 years since the 2000 Sydney edition. (Sunnex)