World class
The issues and problems of hosting the current Southeast Asian Games this year seem to be piling up. The problems were raised by the delegates themselves as they arrived in the country. A delegation could not immediately be given their respective rooms because they arrived a bit early. The usual check-in of 2 p.m. had to be enforced because the hotel was apparently full. They had to wait in function rooms where they were also given meals. A delegation complained that the same food was being served which did not have enough nutrition for the athletes. Bottled water was also limited to several bottles per day. Transportation problems from the airport to their hotels also surfaced. Some delegations had to fix the food and transportation problems themselves.
The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) also complained that the guaranteed serving of halal food for the Muslim delegations was not discussed thoroughly. They were passed from one official to another regarding the issue. A Singapore official complained about insufficient halal food and lack of choices, having to order food outside the hotel. We already know about the "kikiam" prepared for athletes. The delegation from Malaysia allegedly brought their own food because they could not be guaranteed halal meals. All these are reported by the different foreign media outfits that came to cover the games. What some saw are apparently unfinished venues.
Officials of the organization apologized for the mishaps, problems, and issues hounding the hosting of the games but at the same time was on the defensive saying the foreign delegations are staying in good hotels for cheap prices. No surprises there. The blame game has begun in earnest. But really, the buck stops with the organizers, right? It is safe to say that the foreign press is not painting a pretty picture. Perhaps the persons saying this is not the time to highlight SEA Games hosting woes should tell that to everyone covering the event, including the foreign delegations making all the complaints and not just the local press.
We do have that P50-million cauldron that should symbolize the Philippines' world-class capability in hosting the SEA Games, right? I'm sure the officials made sure that it would work when the time comes to light it up after spending all that money. But the athletes and foreign delegations will be the last to judge how this year's SEA Games were conducted. If the Philippines has finally achieved world-class status in hosting an international sports event. Judgment that will be reported by every foreign news outfit that also covered the games.
And if they marveled at the "kaldero" that the organizers seem to be very proud of, I'm not holding my breath.
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