30th SEA Games officially closes in New Clark City

The 30th Southeast Asian Games officially concluded on Wednesday night during a ceremony at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Tarlac that featured various performances of Filipinos and artists.

The Philippines has regained the overall title after finishing with a total of 387 medals on a 149-117-121 gold-silver-bronze tally. The country last won the crown back in 2005 — the last time it hosted the regional meet.

Vietnam followed in second place, while Thailand placed third.

A native dance number from the Aeta Festival Dancers of Porac and a singing performance from the Manila Concert Choir were featured in the opening act.

The show kicked off with American rock band "Journey" frontman Arnel Pineda performing the national anthem "Lupang Hinirang," followed by a drone show and the parade of athletes, team officials and volunteers.

Pineda and the band KO Jones performed a medley of songs, including Queen's famous song "We Are the Champions."

It was followed by the awarding of special prizes, where Filipino surfer Roger Casugay was given the Fair Play award for saving his Indonesian competitor during the course of the Games. 

Zheng Wen of Singapore and Nguyen Thi Ann Vien were also named Best Male Athlete and Best Female Athlete, respectively.

Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, chairman of the organizing committee of SEA Games, and Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino also delivered speeches.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea then formally concluded the biennial games with the extinguishing of the cauldron fire.

The SEA Games flag was also handed over to 2021 host Vietnam.

The Black Eyed Peas was the main draw as it performed 10 songs in praise of all the athletes from the 11 competing countries.

Filipino member apl.de.ap (Allan Pineda Lindo) sang together with his co-members will.i.am (William Adams and Taboo (Jaime Gomez).

FULL COVERAGE: 30th Southeast Asian Games on GMA News Online

—MGP, GMA News