by Nick Giongco
The opening ceremonies of the 30th Southeast Asian Games from the Philippine Arena will be beamed all around the country by ABS-CBN while TV5 will take care of the telecast of the games that will be played from Nov. 30-Dec. 11.
This was the deal reached Monday during the SEAG Federation Council meeting at the Hilton, according to Philippine Olympic Committee spokesperson Ed Picson, stressing the other broadcast facets were discussed as the two-day affair formally came to a close.
Still, ABS-CBN will still cover some of the events during the country’s hosting since there are 56 sports and close to 530 gold medals up for grabs.
POC president Ricky Vargas was on hand to welcome the other high-ranking officials from ten other countries. Joining him in the head table were POC chairman Bambol Tolentino, POC secretary general Patrick Gregorio and SEAG Executive Committee head Celso Dayrit.
Picson said broadcast is no longer limited to television since it is also covers streaming and cable.
“There was a time when broadcast meant only TV but now it’s coverage is a lot wider,” said Picson.
The Philippines is bidding to take the overall crown for the second straight time as host.
Regional powerhouse Thailand, Indonesia and 2021 host Vietnam are expected to challenge the host nation.
Tolentino, also SEAG sports committee head, said that there’d almost be no changes to the number of events that will be played.
“The final number will be known shortly before the SEAG opens because a certain athlete might not even make it because he fell sick,” he said.
Tolentino, noting that an event will be scrapped if there are just three countries taking part.
“You have to have at least four (countries),” he said.
