After 14 years, Philippines is back on top of the Southeast Asian Games.
With a runaway harvest of 138 gold, 102 silver and 107 bronze medals — not even counting the ‘most important gold of them all in basketball which was to be decided late Tuesday night — it’s all over but the shouting.
But more than anything, Filipinos have proven that the greatest attribute the country could show the world is the genuine hospitality, respect and friendship.
The 30th Southeast Asian Games is a legacy to live by, according to Philippines Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William “Butch” Ramirez.
“Perhaps, the 30th SEA Games a legacy to live by and the lesson learned out of it,” the chairman said.
When Filipinos turned the chins up of the athletes of minnows Timor-Leste when they still had an empty basket, it was already a “champion act” by its simply nature.
It wasn’t just about cheering. Philippines hosted the first week of Timor-Leste delegates’ stay free of charge. They were treated first class, perhaps, specially by the staff in Philsports Dormitory in Pasig City.
The athletes of the tiny country attested themselves of the host’s kind gesture.
“I think the hospitality was great. They treat us special, from the security guards, kitchen staff, and the people around,” a Timor-Leste contingent said.
The Filipino’s nature of helping was exceptionally and unconsciously displayed.
Then came the supreme sacrifice Roger Casugay made all for the cause of humanity over personal glory. The Filipino surfer denied himself a chance for a gold medal that is worth more than P600,000 to save his Indonesian rival when the leash of his surf board was suddenly detached in the middle of the huge waves in La Union.
Casogay brought with him the entire country for his unselfishness and heroism.
“Roger Casugay simplifies a classic heroism, perhaps, connotes a very beautiful narrative of heroism,” Ramirez said.
He said these are the important things to should look forward more than winning medals.
“Winning medals are just bonus,” he said.
In that case, Filipinos got more than what it desired–more than just medals.
The gold medal rush struck in the first day and it never stopped until the very last day of the biennial games.
The opening ceremony which completely vindicated the controversies prior to games was indeed inspiring for the Filipino athletes.
As of this writing, Thailand is at distant second with 84-92-103 (gold-silver-bronze), followed by Vietnam (81-80-94) in third overall.
Ramirez, meanwhile, lauded the athletes for giving their best amidst struggles. The Dabawenyo sports leader vowed to improve the services of PSC for the athletes while cleansing sports associations by 2020.
