BULACAN -- Based on social media posts of netizens, the opening ceremonies of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games 2019 at the 55,000-seater Philippine Arena in Bulacan on Saturday evening, November 30, 2019 was nothing short of spectacular.
This, too, was attested by Davao Region athletes, citing that the world-class opening gave them a boost, particularly when President Rodrigo Duterte grooved to the beat of "Manila" while they were walking up the stage during the parade of delegations.
Aiba Women's World Boxing Championships 2019 champion Nesthy Alcayde Petecio, who lighted the P55-million cauldron with fellow torchbearer Senator Manny Pacquiao at the New Clark City in Tarlac, said the feeling was surreal.
"Tong kauban nako si idol Manny, ma'am, for the torch lighting, dili jud ko katuo. Sige rako lantaw niya sa layo jud. Unya gaisip nga sobrang bless kaayo ko. Gi-bless ko taman ni Lord. Honor kaayo nga ako kauban ni idol Senator Pacquiao jud. Bihira ra kaayo ang maka duol niya og makakauban niya sa lighting of torch pa jud," said the 27-year-old native of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.
(I couldn't believe it myself that I lighted the cauldron with idol Manny. I was just looking at him from afar and I thought God has blessed me so much since it's a rare opportunity to be joining him in such a very important event)
For her part, Maiquel Jawn "Mikee" Selga, 2015 SEA Games women's wakeboard double bronze medalist, said it was a huge honor and a great experience for them to be part of the event.
"It was a great experience and the fact that we're making history, it is really an honor to be able to march with all the athletes and I am proud to say that I love how our President is really supportive," Selga said.
The 19-year-old Malayan Colleges Mindanao (MCM) multi-media arts freshman will be making her debut in waterski trick ski event on December 6 at the Deca Clark Wakeboard Park.
SEA Games newbie Sonny Wagdos, said the event was an excellent experience.
"Super-duper excellent experience! Labi na kay first time nako ni (Especially since this is my first time)," Wagdos said, who is a former University of Mindanao (UM) top trackster from Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur and a Philippine Air Force (PAF) enlisted personnel
He will compete in the 1,500-meter run and 5,000-meter events at New Clark City on December 8 and 9, respectively.
Another SEA Games rookie Arthur Samuel "Pingkoy" Salvado, a member of the national badminton team, said it was indeed a life-changing experience for him.
"It was overwhelming as everyone was supporting the Filipino athletes. The program was smooth and it made me proud to be Filipino. I feel motivated because I know that the President is there to support us in our journey," Salvado added, who is also a 2019 Arafura Games silver medalist.
Davao City's Philippine National Games (PNG) 2018 women's arnis champion Jezebel Morcillo, meanwhile, was overwhelmed that thousands of Filipinos came to the Philippine Arena and cheered their hearts out when Team Philippines entered the stage.
"Ang ganda po talaga ng program, ma'am, and presentation. Pagpasok ko po sa loob at nakita ang Presidente at mga tao. I feel blessed and very happy po talaga dahil isa ito sa hinding-hindi ko makakalimutan sa buhay atleta ko ang mapasali sa opening ng 2019 SEA Games," Morcillo said.
(The program and presentation were really nice. I went inside and saw the President and the people. I feel so blessed and very happy because it is one of the most unforgettable moments in my life as an athlete to participate in the opening of the 2019 SEA Games)
World Youth and Juniors Sambo Championships 2019 bronze medalist Sydney Sy Tancontian said it was exciting and a great honor to be part of the historic event.
"Habang naglalakad po kami, nararamdaman na po talaga namin yung Seag vibe. Nakaka-proud po yung pinakitang performance ng mga kababayan natin and pinaghandaan po talaga and smooth naman po yung program," said Tancontian.
(As we walked, we really felt the SEA Games vibe. We are very proud of our countrymen's performance and the program that went smoothly)
She also thanked President Rodrigo Duterte, who declared the games open, for his all-out support to the Filipino athletes.
"Malaking karangalan po na sumuporta siya sa aming mga atletang Pilipino," the Dabawenya added.
(It is a huge honor for the president to support our Filipino athletes)
Karateka Rexor Romaquin Tacay, who bagged silver in the 2017 SEA Games, described the opening as "inspirational and motivational moment" for athletes like him.
Incheon Asian Games silver medalist Charly Suarez also cited the opening rites.
"Kinilabutan ako nung lumabas si President Duterte. I praise the Lord for this blessing," Suarez said.
(I was surprised when President Duterte arrived. I praise the Lord for this blessing)