SEA Games Highlights

First posted 02:54am (Mla time) Nov 29, 2005
Inquirer News Service



Editor's Note: Published on page A20 of the November 29, 2005 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer


Keeping a close watch on RP bets

EVEN Malacañang’s top occupant is keenly monitoring the Philippines’ performance in the 23rd Southeast Asian Games.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday commended the Filipino athletes a day after the country claimed the overall lead in the Games’ first day with five gold, 5 silver and 4 bronze medals.

“We take this as a good omen as we strive for the overall championship this time on the back of the talent, skill and fighting spirit of the Filipino,” said Macapagal-Arroyo in a press statement.

“Let us show to the world that our spirits will never be broken amid political storms and economic constraints and that we are willing to endure the tough national training for a better future just as the hard training of our athletes is now starting to pay off in victory,” added Macapagal-Arroyo. Jasmine W. Payo

FG sheds tears of joy

THAT huge frame notwithstanding,
Print this story
Send this story
Write the editor
Reprint this article
View other stories








and after all the political battles he faced, First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo showed his soft spot even in front of a huge crowd.

The husband of President Arroyo wept openly in the stands of the Rizal Memorial Stadium yesterday when Marestella Torres and Lerma Balauitan-Gabito hoisted the RP flag and waived it at his direction after a 1-2 finish in the women’s long jump.

“This is such a happy moment for me,” said the First Gentleman, wiping away tears with a tissue paper. “Nakakaiyak talaga because winning makes you proud to be a Filipino. Musong R. Castillo

Diay rues successor’s absence

THE LAST time Lydia de Vega was at the Rizal Stadium during a Southeast Asian Games fortnight was 14 years ago when she was the toast of the Philippine athletics team and the darling of an entire country.

Dressed casually in a white shirt and a pair of straight cut jeans, Asia’s former fastest woman Filipinos fondly call “Diay” stood at the stands yesterday, this time cheering Team Philippines as athletics action started in earnest.

“I’ve been retired for more than 10 years now and there’s no clear successor,” Diay, still looking fit and charming at 41, added. “Unlike Elma (Muros, her contemporary and many-time SEAG long jump queen), who has two successors, referring to Marestela Torres and Lorna Balauitan-Gabito. Musong R. Castillo

Here are some pictograms of the official mascot of the 23rd SEA Games "Gilas"

^LOL. There's no basketball diba? Nakakabagot ang Basketball sa SEA games sa totoo lang. Hehe. Kaya parang OK na wala yun. Hehehe