Digital SEA Games opening is first in history

For the first time in Southeast Asian Games history, the opening ceremonies of the biennial meet will be held indoors at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.

"This is the first time it's indoors. Lahat ng opening sa SEA games puro outdoors so first time to because the concept is like the Super Bowl," Philippine Sea Games Organizing Committee chief operating officer Ramon Suzara said. 

According to Mav Gonzales' Thursday report on "State of the Nation with Jessica Soho," the opening ceremonies will showcase the Filipino culture.

About 500 performers, including top Filipino artists and students will participate in the opening ceremonies this year with President Rodrigo Duterte ordering the opening of the games.

Meanwhile, after all the allegations of overpricing in budget allocation for the multi-sporting event, PHISGOC chairman Alan Peter Cayetano appealed for a "ceasefire" from critics.

"We don't argue with engineers 'pag sinabi nilang mas safe ang 300 meters, susundin natin 'yon so hindi ko talaga malaman kung anong klaseng ceasefire at anong klaseng tulong ang gustong gawin ng oposisyon dito sa SEA Games," he said.

"Lahat 'yan gawa na eh. Hindi ba puwedeng December 12, 13, 14, kahit matapos ang mundo, doon na natin pag-usapan. But between now and the games, hindi ba it's about Filipino pride," Cayetano added.

Starting November 25, almost 8,000 police and volunteers will be on full alert status.

The 30th SEA Games is slated to hold 56 sporting events that will run from November 30 to December 11. —Ma. Angelica Garcia/LDF, GMA News