There'll be a downpour of medals
By Recah Trinidad
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 09 Feb 2019
FORGET about dark clouds, there?s the promise of a happy downpour?a big rain of medals?when the country hosts the 2019 Southeast Asian Games later this year.
To dispel fears, the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHILSGOC) has announced ?that construction of venues and other facilities intended for the 30th SEA Games is on track.?
The solid stage is being set for a spectacular hosting and harvest (of medals) for the Philippine contingent.
**
The Philippines finished a dismal sixth (overall) in the 2017 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur.
The Philippines topped the field when it hosted the 2005 Southeast Asian Games.
It?s a tradition in the SEA Games to allow the host country necessary perks that enhance victory in various non- Olympic disciplines.
**
The Philippine Olympic Committee has said it expects no less than a podium finish for the national contingent this year.
But this early, there is a growing general expectation for an overall top-of-the-heap conclusion for the Philippines in this year?s SEA Games.
A total of 523 gold medals in 56 sports will be at stake from Nov. 30 to Dec. 11.
Main venue of the 2019 Games will be the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac. Other venues will be in Subic, Batangas, La Union and Metro Manila that will stage games at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, SM Mall of of Asia, Philsports Arena, Ninoy Aquino Stadium, World Trade Center, Star Mall bowling Center Binan Sports Complex SMX Trade Hall, La Mesa Ecopark, Manila Polo Club.
The opening ceremony will be held at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan while the closing ceremony will be staged at new Clark City, venue for 21 sports including aquatics and athletics.
**
The national basketball contingent a hands-down choice to rule the men?s event, has announced it?s going all out to bag all the available gold medals in its turf.
There?s the suggestion to field the young Batang Gilas team against senior basketball squads in the region, in order to inject color and excitement to the basketball competition; but the Samahang Basketbol ng Philipinas has opted for an overkill.
Manwhile, POC president Ricky Vargas has clarified that he was mainly concerned about the disruption of training caused by the closure of facilities being built for the biennial meet. Vargas said what he was concerned about was the closure of facilities in several centers.
Vargas said he was in constant communication with the Philippine Sports Commission to try and mitigate said closure.
He cited the relocation of the national boxing team from the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex to a temporary center in Baguio City.
?This is an example of a NSA working closely with the PSC to minimize disruption of activities of their athlet4es.? Vargas explained.
Vargas is head of the Alliance of Boxing Associations in the Philippines (ABAP).
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Recah Trinidad.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Donaire ready for Tsutsumi
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 16 Dec 2025INDIGO FIGHT NIGHT: WEIGH-IN RESULTS AND RUNNING ORDER CONFIRMED AS CONNOR MITCHELL GETS READY FOR HIS PRO DEBUT
Tue, 16 Dec 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION DECEMBER 15 DECEMBER 2025: Gassiev KO Pulev in 6; Mikaeljan Beats Jack for WBC Cruiser Title; Pacheco Outpoints Sadjo
By Eric Armit, Tue, 16 Dec 2025Sumalinog, Castanol rule Senior, PWD fun run
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 16 Dec 2025Vargas urges boxers to defy odds
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 16 Dec 2025GIORGIO VISIOLI SETS OUT MISSION TO LAND MAJOR TITLES AFTER TENSE FIRST FACE-OFF WITH ENGLISH TITLE RIVAL JOE HOWARTH
Tue, 16 Dec 2025Kevin Brown and Yoenis Tellez Shine at Boxlab Promotions’ “Night of Champions XIII” During the 104th Annual WBA Convention
Tue, 16 Dec 2025TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Justin Cardona Shares Insights Ahead of December 19 Showdown Against Avious Griffin
Tue, 16 Dec 2025JAS MATHUR JOINS MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS AS CEO TO LEAD STRATEGIC VISION, CREATIVITY AND GLOBAL GROWTH INITIATIVES
Tue, 16 Dec 2025Split-T Management Signs Amateur Standout Adrian Salazar
Tue, 16 Dec 2025INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME REMEMBERS CANASTOTA’S MANAGER / TRAINER / PROMOTER TONY GRAZIANO
Mon, 15 Dec 2025Catubig, Prado win Suy Foods Santa Run
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 15 Dec 2025Junior, Youth and Elite Divisions Awarded on Final Day of 2025 USA Boxing National Championships
Mon, 15 Dec 2025Jean Henri Lhuillier Applauds Cebuana Lhuillier Ambassadors for Bronze Finish at SEA Games 2025
Mon, 15 Dec 2025NOEL MIKAELIAN DETHRONES BADOU JACK TO BECOME THE NEW WBC CRUISERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION
Sun, 14 Dec 2025