Philippines to host The Straits Games 2013
The Philippines is slated to host The Straits Games (TSG) 2013, an annual sports event first initiated by the Malaysia’s Leadership Program for Gays (LPG) and Singapore’s MenAfterWork (MAW) to “foster friendship and promote a healthy lifestyle in our LGBT communities.” Over the years, TSG has generated interest from the LGBT community in different countries in the Asian region, such as Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Japan and China.
In its 12th year, “we are proud to announce that the Philippines will be the host country, with our country’s tourism slogan: ‘Friendship. More Fun in the Philippines’,” said Dennis Corteza, who is helping organize the gathering.
According to Corteza, “it is definitely a welcome opportunity for the Philippines to showcase its treasures and Filipino values to the numerous foreign visitors joining and participating in this event.”
Different sports like badminton, bowling, volleyball, billiards, darts, swimming and tennis will be held in selected locations in Metro Manila from October 18 to 20. Other events will include the Welcome Party, Social Nights, Tours, Gala Dinner and Club Parties, all expected to also highlights TSG Manila.
The first host of TSG – in 2002 – was Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Singapore; Phuket, Thailand; Taipei, Taiwan; and Hong Kong SAR also hosted the gathering.
In the Philippines, the Metro Manila organizers include past participants of TSGs, which started in 2008, when three Filipinos joined the event from the country.
“Karamihan ng core group members/organizers ay nag-start na rin ng mga gay sporstfest noon sa Ateneo (nauna pa nga sa TSG) , TLF Share Collective’s sportsfest, nag-organize ng Ms. U Bowling Pageant (the Bowlibining Pilipinas), Volleybining Pilipinas and Billiardbining Pilipinas,” Corteza said. “So the exciting challenge is how to incorporate ‘yung mga fun games ng Pinoy sa TSG2013Manila.”
This is the first time the Philippines is hosting the event, and this year, Guam and Vietnam expressed their intent to participate.
“We will make sure na fun siya,” Corteza said.
To ensure this, Corteza added: “Expect mga traditional Pinoy games and fun stuff like wearing a crown while bowling, Maria Went to Town swimming relay, and the likes.”
The Love Yourself Project is also helping this year’s gathering, as well as individual volunteers.
All the details will be on the TSG2013MANILA FB page.
Else, for those interested, PM Dennis Corteza at (+63) 9185338826; or email tsg2013manila@gmail.com.
