By RAMON BONILLA
CHENGDU — A picturesque Tianfu International Convention Center, the tranquil waters of the Qinhuang Lake, and the body of work the Chinese people are renowned for come in one piece to welcome thousands of participants as the 2025 World Games unwraps Thursday evening, Aug. 7.
The colors of the 118 participating nations are expected to highlight the opening parade where wushu star Agatha Wong and cable wakeboard sensation Raph Trinidad banner the Philippine flag ever so high and to the pleasure of the Filipinos back home all hoping for a productive performance from the 47-strong delegation.
In a unique display of ingenuity, the organizers veered away from staging the opening in a stadium and will instead take the athletes and team officials on the wooden eaves of a massive gallery, creating an open-air vibe with the massive lake on the side giving a natural charm.
Chef de Mission Stephen Arapoc will join the flag bearers in the 8 p.m. showpiece along with the other Filipino athletes in Chengdu who are all encouraged to take part in the festivities barring any conflict on arrival or training.
Chef de Mission Stephen Arapoc will join the flag bearers along with the other Filipino athletes in Chengdu who are all encouraged to take part in the festivities barring any conflict on arrival or training.
“I am excited because it is my first time in an opening ceremony. I just want myself to enjoy and live throughout the experience,” Wong said.
From there, the Philippine representatives, supported by the Philippine Olympic Committee headed by President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, will see a unique torch-lighting ceremony on the waters, with local Chinese bets passing the torch through a motorboat and skiers completing the ignition, a three-part fireworks display, and all the dramatic Sichuan-style performances to end the night.
Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio is expected to watch from the spectators row, along with prominent Chinese officials and World Games executives led by President Jose Perurena Lopez.
Providing the inspiration of the day is the men’s floorball team which is plunging into action against Latvia at 9 a.m. at the Xindu Xiangcheng Sports Centre.
Coached by Noel Mendoza, the 14-man squad, ranked No. 12 in the world, arrived first in Chengdu last Sunday, and had its first practice Tuesday evening to prepare for the Latvians who are No. 4 but were beaten by Switzerland, 4-3, in the first game Wednesday.
“We feel great and confident. The team is ready,” Philippine Floorball Association President Marco Ortiz said.
Among the players to watch is forward Melvin Mendoza, who has plenty of international experience including a silver medal in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games and three World Championship appearances.
