‘Manila, Manila’

The honor of hosting the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games fell upon the Philippines in 2017, after some hullabaloo with determining the next host country after Malaysia.

Everything that happened since then seemed to come together in Saturday’s opening ceremonies which, to this non-sports-oriented writer, appeared to hold the entire nation’s combined hopes and expectations in one golden cauldron.

The opening, according to friends, was excellent — comments ranged from “so nice” to “good” to “better than we imagined” — because it showcased the various “colors” of Filipino culture, giving beautiful tribute to the many ethnicities and talents we have in our archipelago.

The musical performances certainly did not disappoint, and the outfits were, of course, exceptional.

President Rodrigo Duterte was evidently enjoying himself — getting a good break from the heavy concerns of daily leading, obviously — and the 20,000-plus audience at the Philippine Arena no doubt had that unforgettable and rare experience of being in the thick of a major sporting event in the history of the Philippines.

We, Filipinos, like to say we are humble and self-effacing, but the truth is we are proud, and we like to impress.

This has been evident in this current SEA Games hosting, where issues came to stir a cauldron of thick and steaming controversies.

If there is anything we should take away from it all by the end of 11 December 2019, it is that we, Filipinos, will really and truly only “win as one.”

Here’s a thought: what would happen if we focused on the good and support the positive throughout these Games?

The SEA Games are here. We are the host, and we want to deliver an impressive performance, don’t we?

The politics behind the scenes has undoubtedly created fissures among us, and that feeling sort of resurfaced amid the collective high of the opening ceremonies when Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano spoke about it.

Acknowledging the challenges and difficulties is fine, it is true, but that reminder also, in a way, put a damper on the fire in the cauldron, so to speak.

Which brings us to the cauldron-lighting moment. Some commented that had it been shown live, that moment could have been extra powerful.

Not that it wasn’t special — in fact, the fireworks expressed the pride we all feel for such a showing.

There was no doubt in our minds that the “Philippine team” in the creative and production aspects would be impressive. And they were. As the first-ever indoor SEA Games opening ceremonies, the wow factor upped the Pinoy pride meter anew.

Team spirit reigned in the Philippine Arena on Saturday as our world-class Filipino talents came through for the country to present our best. That, and a “high degree of competence,” as one netizen observed.

All the wranglings, complaints, fake news, bad news and ill will dissipated in the brightness of our best. It makes one think about how we are as a people — to ourselves and to others. It pushes us to give some serious thought to our inclinations, our actions versus our words, as well as the way we show to ourselves the pride and respect we strive for and demand from the rest of the world. The SEA Games are a showcase of the region’s greatness of spirit, the member countries’ solidarity and our own country’s capabilities and potential.

While our athletes give their all in the competitions, fueled by their passions and love for country, perhaps we can show our support by being vigilant and cooperative, involved and encouraging.

As of this writing, the country has reaped some gold medals in the Games, a sure sign of positivity and drive inspired by the team spirit we witnessed in the opening ceremonies.

Never mind the questions roiling in our heads about the ₱7.5 billion budget — and set aside the crabby negativity we seem to exhibit when stakes are high.

In the realm of the SEA Games, we, Filipinos, are our harshest critics. So, it may be a horrendous effort, but at this point, we all have to pitch in, strive for the goal, hit the ground running or whatever sports-related saying you can think of. The theme says it all, you know.

“While our athletes give their all in the competitions… perhaps we can show our support by being vigilant and cooperative, involved and encouraging.

“Here’s a thought: what would happen if we focused on the good and support the positive throughout these Games?