00:00This is the 4th time that the Philippines will host the Vimpiaga Friendship Games
00:05It was formally opened today in Puerto Princesa, Palawan
00:10And to give us an update on the events of the Opening Ceremony
00:15Live from Palawan is our teammate, Paolo Salamatini
00:19Paolo?
00:21Yes, Darren. The 11th edition of Vimpiaga Friendship Games officially opened here in Puerto Princesa
00:28where more than 700 participants participated in the Opening Ceremony
00:35Yesterday, the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held at Ramon V. Mitra Sports Complex
00:39led by Philippine Sports Commission or PSE Chairman Richard Bachman
00:44with Puerto Princesa Mayor Lucilo Bayron
00:47to formally open the Sports Expo
00:51where you can see 40 exhibitors booths, photo exhibit area
00:57food exhibit and many more
00:59Aside from this, the official mascot of Vimpiaga, Batik, was also made public
01:04a Palawan water monitor that symbolizes the rich biodiversity of the region
01:09and its dedication to the conservation of the environment
01:12After this, all the countries in the competition were invited
01:16to a welcome dinner at Princesa Garden Island Resort
01:19where the officials gave a little gift
01:23In the middle of the dinner, there were also a few songs and dances
01:27that were really enjoyed by delegations from various countries
01:32Because of the fact that the ceremony here in the Edward Hagener Coliseum is not yet over
01:36because there is still a performance going on here
01:40that is being prepared by the performing groups of Puerto Princesa
01:43Later on, there will be a symbolic torch
01:49that will be used for the cauldron lighting later
01:53And those are the latest here in Puerto Princesa, Palawan
01:56Paulo Salamatin for Kapabansang TV in Bagong, Philippines
