SEA Games: Manny Pacquiao and Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte open biennial as typhoon nears

Boxing champion shows up to open beleaguered Southeast Asian extravaganza

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Philippines boxing champion Manny Pacquiao during the opening ceremony of the SEA Games at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue. Photo: AFP

Published: 12:06pm, 1 Dec 2019Updated: 12:06pm, 1 Dec 2019

President Rodrigo Duterte and boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao threw open the doors to the Southeast Asian Games in the Philippines on Saturday as a powerful typhoon took aim at the nation’s north and the competition’s core venues.

In a spectacle filled with Philippine tradition and stardom, the nation welcomed thousands of competitors from around the region for 11 days of games that got off to a rough start due to transport snafus and a last-minute rush to wrap up construction.

As the Games opened Typhoon Kammuri was rumbling in off the Pacific, with forecasters expecting it to hit early next week packing heavy rain and strong winds. National weather agency PAGASA said Kammuri was forecast to carry gusts of 185km/h and maximum sustained winds of 150km/h.

Despite the threat, the SEA Games opening ceremony at the national arena was a festival of dance, music and sport – even Duterte was shaking his hips.

Dancers perform during the opening ceremony of the SEA Games. Photo: Xinhua

“I declare open the SEA Games for the 30th time, celebrating the games of Southeast Asia,” the president said in English, before welcoming visitors in Filipino.