DAPITAN CITY -- In hosting the first ever Palarong Pambansa meet in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, "Rizal Country" -- as what it is prominently known in Mindanao -- is still seemingly groping in the dark.
Like the moth finding its way in the dark in one of the classic literary works of the late Dr. Jose Rizal.
In all its shortcoming, however, one can readily give a two thumbs up for, at least, the proud city of Dapitan tried its darnest best.
In fact, Sunday's opening of the biggest gathering for the country's top student athletes opened in grandest style at the newly-built JRMSU Sports Complex, just a striking distance from the shrine or the very place where the Filipino hero stayed in exile some 115 years ago.
Making up for the wet grass-coated ground where hundreds of rain-soaked delegates from various regions took a halt from what has been dubbed as a "historic march" are Philippine actor Richard Gomez' emceeing of the opening rites, Vice President Jejomar Binay's momentous guesting of the occasion and the showering of confetti from the private helicopter of host Mayor Romeo Jalosjos.
"We are so lucky to have been able to participate in the historic march kay sa maong lugar gyod makita permi nga ga-strolling sa una si Dr. Rizal," said Eulogio Suaner Jr., training manager of the Northern Mindanao team.
Mayor Jalosjos, in his speech, said it is dream come true for Dapitan to host significant event like the annual Palaro where the youth can be developed not only in sports but also in other aspects of life. As the saying goes from the famous line of Dr. Rizal "youth is the hope of the fatherland". Dapitan City is proud to welcome you all," said Jalosjos to the crowd's standing ovation.
Fireworks display capped the opening ceremony that not also only acknowledged another triumph by today's hero Manny Pacquiao atop the ring but also witnessed the coronation of Vice Pres. Binay who was bestowed with the highest honor by the Muslim tribes of Zamboanga Peninsula.
Published in the Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro newspaper on May 10, 2011.
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