FG welcomes 10 nations in SEAG flag-raising rites

The national flags of the 11 competing countries were raised yesterday, officially accounting for all the participants in the 23rd Philippine Southeast Asian Games.

First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, the chef de mission of Team Philippines, led sports and local officials during the traditional program–held just in front of the Rizal monument at the Luneta –serving as one of the highlights of the biennial meet.

"We welcome all of you. It’s a great honor for the Philippines to host the SEA Games and all its participants," said Arroyo in his speech.

The raising of the flags of each of the SEA countries is a traditional ceremony signifying their participation in the sports conclave. It likewise symbolizes the welcome gesture from the host country.

"This means that everything is ready and in place," said Philsoc protocol chief Gen. (ret) Mario Tanchangco.

All the chef de missions, their assistants, ambassadors, dignitaries and athletes were present during the short parade that preceded the flag- raising rites.

A communication blunder apparently caused members of the RP traditional boat race team to join the ceremony.

But local sport officials were duly represented in the affair led by Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee (Philsoc) chief executive officer (CEO) Jose "Peping" Cojuangco, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William "Butch" Ramirez and International Olympic Committee (IOC) representative to the Philippines Frank Elizalde.

Also present were Cojuangco’s wife, former Tarlac Governor Tingting Cojuangco and charming daughter international model and fashion icon China.

A coffee table book about the history of Malacañang and Filipino arts and culture stuffed inside a tampipi–a locally-made bag made from coconut leaves–were given by Arroyo as token gifts to all chef de missions from Brunei, Cambodia, Timor Leste, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Singapore and Vietnam.