All we are saying: Give SEAG a chance POC, Phisgoc vow opening will be a blast

The big question remains. How the 55-million cauldron will be lit to signal the start of the 30th Southeast Asian Games was kept under wraps by the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc), whose leadership is calling on everyone to watch the event live on Saturday.

“You will only know when you attend,” said Phisgoc chief operating officer Tats Suzara yesterday during a media briefing at the World Trade Center.

“Everywhere you go, organizers won’t tell you (about) the program.”

This came after the Phisgoc held a dress rehearsal Tuesday at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan where the opening rites will take place under an atmosphere of revelry.

The cauldron towers over the newly-built athletics stadium that can accommodate 20,000 and the 5,000-capacity Aquatics Center in Capas, Tarlac, and boxing star Manny Pacquiao will light it up as a vital part of the program.

Adding luster to the dazzling presentation centering on the Filipino talent and its unique culture are the parade not only of current sporting standouts but also

those whose exploits left everyone in awe.

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach and Miss World 2013 Megan Young will lead the bevy of beauties expected while world-class entertainment will be delivered by the finest Filipino musicians, including Lani Misalucha, Jed Madela, Christian Bautista, Iñigo Pascual, KZ Tandigan and Grammy Awardwinner Apl.de.ap.

The production team tapped to handle the event has tons of experience as it was involved in the staging of performances during the 2012 London Olympics, 2014 Sochi Winter Games and the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games.

“Napakaganda talaga,” said Tolentino, who watched the dry run.

The mood during the media Q&A had a more upbeat tone as the Phisgoc continues to reel from a variety of organizational setbacks that covered transportation, food and accommodations. Still, Suzara and Philippine Olympic Committee president Bambol Tolentino called on everybody not to put the country’s hosting on a bad light and instead dwell on the athletes.

“Everything is now in order,” said Suzara, deflecting accusations that the Phisgoc has not addressed the concerns of the other competing nations.

Suzara then presented master chef Bruce Lim, who explained that food preparation is one factor the Phisgoc is giving utmost importance.

Participants in full costume belt out a number during the Southeast Asian Games opening ceremony dress and technical rehearsals Tuesday at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan. (Rio Deluvio)

Glittering medals in gold, silver and bronze, crafted by Filipino artist Daniel dela Cruz, await winners of the 30th Southeast Asian Games which formally begins on Saturday at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan. (Alvin Kasiban)

POC president Bambol Tolentino addresses a question as Phisgoc COO Tats Suzara, left, and SEA Games chef Bruce Lim await their turn in a media conference yesterday at the World Trade Center. (Ali Vicoy)