The SEAG spectacle

The Philippines and the rest of Southeast Asia witnessed the world-class opening of the 23rd SEAGames Saturday, at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City. It was quite a spectacle, and city and provincial officials and the SEAGames organizers should be proud of a job well done. It rained in the morning but the Good Lord heard the prayer of thousands for a dry afternooon. And so, to a very eager and supportive crowd, our MassKara dancers, the Silay Ensemble and the West Negros College Dance troupe gave the best performance of their lives.

The crowd cheered the athletes of the 11 participating countries, but our hearts belonged to our athletes, and as the Philippine National Anthem was played, everyone joined in on the singing. Patty Cuaycong, Carla Gomez, Token Lizares, Ninfa Leonardia and I were misty-eyed. It was a proud moment for all of us.

My congratulations to Rep. Monico Puentevella, Mayor Bing Leonardia, Gov. Joseph Marañon, and all the committees for making it all possible. MABUHAY!!!

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Keeping up with the spirit of the SEAGames, and the coming Christmas holidays, almost all the hotels and malls are shining with lights. So too are the bright, big lights of the Paglaum Sports Complex and some residences, particularly that of Felicito and Nanette Sanson in Mountainview.

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One of Bacolod's landmarks, the PNB Bacolod Building, finally lit up its façade after being dormant for years, thanks to its owner, Lucio Tan, who is also one of the major sponsors of the SEAGames. The putting up of the lights was undertaken by the bank's Engineering Design and Maintenance Division teams, composed of Raffy Mercado and Errol Rarugal and Rhea Olimpo, headed by SAVP Jesus Ma. Borja, led by CEO Omar Byron Mier, EVP Carmen Huang and FVP Ma. Paz Lim and the tireless assistance of Sales and Service head Marilou Castro, Viveca Robillo and Neda Algara, with supportive from SVP Ricardo Gonda and Regional Service manager Arlene David and her staff Lia, Meriam and Leila.*

Remember: "God's help never fails, and how much we receive depends on how much our hearts can believe."