Ex-SEA Games player Sotto says PHL hospitality still shines despite hosting woes

Amid the shortcomings in the Philippines’ hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, Senate President Vicente Sotto III believes the hospitality of Filipinos still shines judging from his previous experience in the regional games.

FULL COVERAGE: 30th Southeast Asian Games on GMA News Online

“Hindi ganun ang ginagawa sa atin sa ibang bansa. Alam mo kung saan kami pinapatira? Sa university, sa mga dormitory.  Pinapaalis ‘yung mga estudyante at kami pinapatulog sa kama nila. Dito may pa-hotel pa, may pagkain,” Sotto said in an interview on Dobol B sa News TV on Wednesday.

“[Mas OK dito] kumpara sa ibang bansa. Dinadaya nga kami, dito baka nga magpatalo pa tayo. Sobrang hospitable ng Filipino baka magpatalo pa,” he added in jest.

The Senate leader had been part of the national team in bowling in the past, either as a player or coach.

“[I played] 10-pin bowling. I was a national team player six times and coach thrice,” Sotto said in a separate message to reporters.

He said he played in the 1978 Asian Games; 1977, 1979, 1981 SEA Games; 1978, 1985 World Cup; and 1984, 1985, 1986 President’s Cup in Indonesia, among others.

Sotto said most of the time the Filipino players were left by the host country to fend for themselves.

“If possible, they even make us uncomfortable to make sure we lose to them. Why do you think the host country always wins? The host country is not supposed to feed them, etc. We spent for our meals and other expenses, even lodging,” he said.

Sotto made the statement amid the reported miscues in the food preparations, transportation, and accommodations for the foreign athletes hobbled the country’s hosting of the regional sports meet.

“There are times when we should stop bickering about  petty things,” Sotto said.

President Rodrigo Duterte has earlier expressed displeasure over the series of lapses. —KBK, GMA News