Saturday night’s opening of the Southeast Asian Games was, indeed, a spectacle, showcasing the best the Philippines had to offer in music and dance.
Make no mistake about it, however—beyond the pageantry, the extravaganza sought to convey deeper messages.
At the hands of creative director, veteran playwright Floy Quintos, and National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, the opening ceremony showed the Philippines’ rich culture starting from pre-colonial days, and how it evolved over centuries amid countless factors and influences.
Quintos, who shared his sentiments on social media, said the opening ceremonies were a “chance to show aspects of our culture that many modern Filipinos know little about or take for granted, buried under our own divisive neglect and lack of concern.”
Quintos said the number, the Warrior dances, trace the vigor, physicality and skill that is in the DNA of every great Filipino athlete.
He promised “no special effects, no fabulous, hitherto unseen technological stage wizardry.” Instead, there were good old energy, talent and joy. “The very things we return to. The very qualities that enable us to survive.”
The opening ceremonies showed that if we wanted to, and if we chose to, Filipinos could be united for a single cause.
No doubt the days leading up to the opening were marked with confusion and recrimination. It is just right that inquiries be made into the blunders committed that marred our neighbors’ perception of us. It is only proper that those who bungled their jobs must be held accountable for their mistakes.
But acknowledging that we have many lessons to learn does not preclude us from reveling in the spirit of unity and camaraderie among our fellow Asean members. It should not prevent us from being circumspect about the news stories and images we believe and share online. It is perfectly possible to advocate governance, competence and accountability while also reveling on goodwill among our people and among other countries in the region.
Ultimately, sports celebrates the indomitability of the human spirit, our affinity with others, and the drive to overcome all adversity to scale new heights. The Games have begun—interesting days ahead!