When the 1st Southeast Asian Peninsular Games reeled off in 1959, the region started its long term bond that now stretched not just in the Southeast Asian peninsula but to the whole world. Participated by 6 peninsular countries, the inaugural game in Bangkok became the start of a continuing success.
In 1977, three new countries joined in as Indonesia, Brunei and the Philippines were accepted in the Southeast Asian circle, thus became the birth of the Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur. Though Thailand never liked the idea of admitting these three countries and dropping the word “Peninsular”, it did not hinder the spirit of the games to unite the peaceful Southeast Asians. Eventually, the three neophyte countries (already earning bronzes and silvers in the Olympics) showed far better competitors for Thailand.
- Brunei Darussalam- Since its inclusion to the Games in 1977, this great little kingdom was a potential SEA Games major competitor. Brunei garnered 4 golds among the 47 medals they bagged during their hosting of the 20th SEA Games in 1999.
- Cambodia- Though appointed host and declined for so many times, Cambodia proved that they really had their say in the games. Cambodia’s highest earn is a 17-gold medal sweep in the 1971 SEAP Games in Kuala Lumpur.
- Indonesia- When this country joined in in 1977, they immediately champed the over-alls which proved that these men from the south were a powerhouse. Indonesia champed 9 times in the Games.
- Laos- Laos is among the original members of the Southeast Asian Games and has been a fair player ever since. Though not with greater performance, this country is a promising hub of athletes. Vientiane, its capital is scheduled to host SEA Games the 25th in 2009 for the first time.
- Malaysia- This country played a key role in the continued success of the SEA Games. When participating countries realized the burden of hosting the SEAP, Malaysia was the one who pushed to the inclusion of the three potential countries of Indonesia, Brunei and the Philippines and stepped on hosting to some very tight spots especially when Cambodia and Laos begged off to their hosting rights in 1963 and 1965 respectively. Kuala Lumpur has hosted the Games 5 times and is scheduled for another one in 2015. Malaysia holds some powerful athletes that might strip down this year’s medal tally.
- Myanmar- Alongside Thailand, Myanmar was a major contributor to the establishment of the SEAP Games after hosting in 1961 and 1969. Myanmar champed twice and may fight for another one this year.
- Philippines- Being the defending champion and among the powerful teams in the games, the Philippines takes with them a great responsibility to defend their title. The Philippines has hosted 3 SEA Games editions with 113 gold medals in its highest tally board.
- Singapore- Originally scheduled to host this year’s SEA Games, this promising country tries a bite at the apple this year.
- Thailand- This is where it all started. Thailand, the mother of the SEA Games cradles its fruit once more. This country hosted 6 times and has champed for countless editions. Thailand is one of the most powerful country in the games and in the whole of Asia after ranking 5th in the 2006 Doha Asian Games. Can they still make it this year and prove to their brothers its great power?
- Timor-Leste- The youngest country to join the SEA Games is East Timor. After its first appearance in the 22nd SEA Games in Vietnam, East Timor showed their great potential to jot their names on the top of the tally board. East Timor won 3 bronze medals in the 23rd SEA Games in the Philippines (2005).
- Vietnam- Hosting the games for the first time and winning over-alls in the first time in 2003 was a big leap for Vietnam. Now that they know what they can reach, will they take back from the Philippines what they got first? Or will Thailand prove that they are the masters in their own land?
Goodluck to the athletes and to SEA Games in Nakhon Ratchasima!
This article is on SimulPOST with Asia’s Perfect Ten.
Recently, I joined an ASEAN-oriented blog who became an interest to me.. To those who doesn’t know (which I hope you do), ASEAN stands for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. If you still don’t get it (please don’t tell me you don’t!), try browsing it on wikipedia.
Well, i was so overwhelmed by their warm welcome and made me a contributor for the blog. Thanks to my co-contributors Denith (Cambodia), Ari (Indonesia), Kuya JC (Philippines), DeeDee (Cambodia) for the warm welcome.. I enjoy working with you all. I hope to write more for ASEAN (which I will. Hehe).
To those who are interested to meet our ASEAN Neighbors, visit us at http://aseanclan.blogspot.com
Travels from Baclaran to Lawton, Manila
We, the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the aid of Almighty God, in order to build a just and humane society and establish a government that shall embody our ideals and aspirations, promote the common good, conserve and develop our patrimony and secure to ourselves and our posterity the blessings of independence and democracy under the rule of law and a regime of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace, do ordain and promulgate this Constitution.
Just finished memorizing that one. But I still have Article 1 and 2(with 28 sections) to memorize. And that’s kinda’ hard.
When I was in elementary, I used to be an orator (Interpretative Oration). My mother used to make me memorize long pieces . I started when I was in nursery and I did a Grade 3 piece from San Beda College. From then on, my school made me join contests. My first one was when I was in Grade 1 when I joined a Cultural Contest. I bagged 3rd (I’m happy about it.. Not bad for a 1st grader). Then I started doing much longer pieces both poetry and prose.
So you think it isn’t hard for me to memorize the Philippine Constitution?
NO! It’s much harder even if it’s not that long. What with a terror Professor and agonizingly tricky subject, I won’t be surprised if I find myself dying of brain hemorrhage.
Politics in this country won’t be an enjoyable topic to discuss yet it may help us, you know. Just don’t make me memorize things again. Hayyyy…
Too much for school… Thanks pala to Pauie who taught me how to put links on pictures. Now I have my Blog Poster (I’ll change it monthly) on my different websites.
Her link is http://joannapotter.blogspot.com
I’ve changed my url. “allenatsixteen” isn’t appropriate anymore kasi di na din naman ako 16 and mahaba so might just give out my name. Hehe.. That’s all. Good day! It’s now http://allenyuarata.blogspot.com/
