13 December 2013 - The 27th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games opened with grandeur in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar on December 11. The four-hour extravaganza, complete with parades, fireworks, singers, dancers and a sound-and-light show, was held to loud cheers and bursts of applause in a packed 30,000-seat stadium. His Excellency President U Thein Sein led the said opening ceremonies at the newly constructed Wunna Theikdi Stadium.
“It was spectacular, and the Philippine National Olympic Committee members are happy with the arrangements made by the host,” according to Atty. Jolly R. Gomez, Commissioner of the Philippine Sports Commission, who led the Philippine team.
Ambassador Alex G. Chua joined all ASEAN Heads of Mission and other members of the Diplomatic Corps in celebrating the auspicious sporting event which was last hosted by Myanmar in 1969, known then as the Southeast Asian Peninsular Games.
The Philippines will be competing at the semi-finals of 400m individual medley swimming, wrestling, canoeing and boxing (women), among other competitions.
Ambassador Chua also visited the office of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of the Philippines in the Athletes Village in Nay Pyi Taw, and met with Col. Antonio Tamayo Jr., Chef d’ Mission, and other officials and Philippine team members.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Gomez joined the Christmas fund-raising event of This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. on December 8, 2013. CDA Maria Lourdes Salcedo and Mr. Patrick Nebre, President of This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. welcomed Commissioner Gomez and his team at the Christmas party intended to raise funds to help in the rehabilitation efforts for survivors of typhoon Yolanda.
Commissioner Gomez and Rev. Fr. Maxell Aranilla also visited the Embassy on December 13, where the latter celebrated a mass and blessed the new chancery. END