SM City Clark gives warm welcome to SEAG delegates. Photo courtesy of SMCRK
CLARK FREEPORT — With most unsavory things already said about the country’s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games, its opening is expected to be joyous and fiery grand at the New Clark City.
A “dress rehearsal” for the opening, as posted in a video on Facebook, revealed a short-but-spectacular fireworks display crowning the athletes stadium alongside the controversial 40-meter high symbolic cauldron looking like a steely ice cream cone topped by flaming ice cream.
There will also be boxing champ Sen. Manny Pacquiao to light the cauldron.
But before excitement carries all away, folk at hosting venues had better keep in mind two major don’ts during the games that launches Nov. 30 and ends Dec. 11.
Here are two things to staple in mind:
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines issue “no-fly zones” for the 30th SEA Games from Nov. 30 to Dec. 11 in surrounding areas of the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan and New Clark City, in Pampanga.
The Philippine National Police suspended permits to carry firearms outside of residence in Region 3, Region 4A, NCR, and Province of La Union in the light of the 30th SEA Games.
Reports have it that exploding firecrackers is also taboo. Also, the no fly rule applies to drones too.
Some other bits of information about the SEA Games this year:
The logo, a replica of which stands tall at the Astro Park in Angeles City, comprise 11 multi-colored circles arranged in the shape of the Philippine map. It was meant to symbolize unity among the countries taking part in the biennial sporting event.
“Wherever and whenever the games are played, we are one and we win as one,” said House Speaker Allan Peter Cayetano, who is also the chairman of the 2019 Philippines SEAG Organizing Committee.
This year, SEA Games mascot is a pudgy creature called Pami which stands for “pamilya.”
Both logo and mascot have survived virulent criticisms.
