His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and President of the Republic of the Philippines Rodrigo Roa Duterte at the opening ceremony of the 30th SEA Games. PHOTOS: INFOFOTO
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, President of the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council at the opening ceremony
The Brunei Darussalam contingent wave their flags during the Parade of Nations
ABOVE & BELOW: The Philippines and Singapore contingents during the Parade of Nations. PHOTOS: AP & AFP
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam attended the opening ceremony of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games at the Philippines Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan in the Philippines last night.
Upon arrival, His Majesty was greeted by President of the Republic of the Philippines Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, President of the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council was in attendance.
Also present were Minister of Foreign Affairs II Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof; Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin; and Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to the Republic of the Philippines Hajah Johariah binti Haji Abdul Wahab.
With President Duterte declaring the Games open, the arena exploded into a burst of energy and colour as the crowd was entertained by a medley of lively cultural performances showcasing Filipino heritage.
The opening ceremony, billed as the biggest in history, marked the first time it was held in an indoor venue.
Excitement grew as Filipino singer Lani Misalucha provided a moving rendition of the Philippine national anthem which was followed by an extraordinary performance themed ‘The Roots of Our Strength’, showcasing the culture and heritage of the nation.
Throwbacks of Philippines’ colourful past were illustrated through a series of warrior dances from the Bagobo, the Kalinga, the Maguindanao and the pre-Hispanic Visayans.
The opening ceremony also featured modern performances notably from Black Eyed Peas group member Allan Pineda Lindo, also widely known as apl de ap in the music industry, Inigo Pascual, Robert Sena and KZ Tandingan, among others.
Among the highlights were the entrances of beauty pageant queens including 2015 Miss Universe winner Pia Wurtzbach and Miss World 2013 Megan Young who served as muses for the participating nations.
Boxing world champions Manny Pacquiao and Nesthy Petecio lit the cauldron at the newly built athletics stadium and aquatics centre in New Clarke City, Tarlac province.
Themed ‘We Win as One’, the biennial Games will run for 11 days until the closing ceremony at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium on December 11.
A record of 56 events will be contested in three main clusters namely Manila, New Clark and Subic Bay.
The Philippines last hosted the SEA Games in 2015, and were also hosts in 1981 and 1991.
Brunei march with pride
The Brunei Darussalam national contingent marched with pride in the Parade of Nations during the opening ceremony of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan last night.
Brunei Darussalam track athlete Muhd Noor Firdaus Ar-Rasyid bin Haji Mohd Idris was the contingent’s flag bearer.
Dozens of athletes and officials proudly waved mini flags as they proceeded to the centre of the arena.
The Brunei contingent, who was the first to appear, was accompanied by Miss Intercontinental 2018 Karen Gallman.
A total of 87 athletes will compete across 14 disciplines including athletics, aquatics, billiards, football, fencing, golf, lawn bowls, netball, polo, taekwondo, karatedo, pencak silat, tenpin bowling and wushu.
