NEW CLARK CITY – The 2019 Southeast Asian Games has yet to officially begin, but there is something that is already attracting a lot of attention.
Heck, it's not even a major athlete.
The towering SEA Games cauldron that has been the subject of debate leading to the staging of the 30th edition of the biennial meet has become the star of the show, drawing people from all walks of life who wanted a glimpse of the symbolic iron pot built to the tune of P55 million.
The cauldron, whose lighting by legendary boxer Manny Pacquiao during the grand opening ceremony Saturday night officially ushers the two-week long regional competition, was designed by national artist Francisco ‘Bobby’ Manosa.
“Kailangan makapag-pakuha dito,” said one bystander who came all the way from Pampanga and was among the numerous passers-by lining up to have their pictures and selfies taken with the cauldron which is fast gaining a reputation as an iconic attraction.
“Ito ba yung kaldero ni (Senator) Drilon,” another man butted in, drawing a few laughs from people within hearing distance of him.
The cauldron had been put in the spotlight at least two weeks before the Games begin after Senator Franklin Drilon brought up the staggering amount used to build it during a Senate budget hearing.
He later referred to the cauldron as one big ‘kaldero.’
The Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) came to its defense and justified the amount spent for its structure.
Good or bad, one thing has become definite about this 50-meter high structure referred to by Phisgoc chairman Allan Peter Cayetano as a ‘priceless work of art’ – it’s a now major attraction of this SEA Games.
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