SEA Games organizing committee expect more 1,000 foreigners in opening ceremony

November 28, 2019

The Philippine Southeast Asian (SEA) Games Organizing Committee ( Phisogc) said they expect more than 1,000 foreign visitors in the opening ceremonies on Saturday. 

In a press conference on Wednesday, Phisgoc Chief Operating Officer Ramon Suzara said around 4,000 are expected to arrive in Metro Manila on Thursday. 

The bulk are from different contingents which will take part in the SEA Games opening ceremonies on November 30 at the Philippine Arena in Bucaue, Bulacan.

Suzara said the arrival will cause traffic in Metro Manila. 

"The biggest problem is traffic," he said. 

"However, with the help of Philippine National Police (PNP) and MMDA (Metro Manila Development Authority) it might go smoothly," he added. 

Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino announced that Senator Manny Pacquiao will carry the torch and will light the P55 million cauldron in the ceremony. 

World champions and decorated Filipino athletes will be the bearers of the SEA Games Federation flag. 

These athletes are weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, gymnast Carlos Yulo, boxers Nesthy Petecio and Eumir Marcial, judoka Kiyomi Watanabe, and pole vaulter Ej Obiena. 

Diaz won the Olympic silver medal in 2016 while Yulo was recently crowned world champion in the floor exercise.

Despite the absence Lea Salonga, the voice behind the SEA Games official theme song "We Win As One", Black Eyed Peas rapper Apl.de.ap confirmed he will sing on Saturday. Cristina Eloisa Baclig/DMS