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Source: mb.com.ph

-- One hour apart, two chartered planes will bring the bulk of the 317-strong Philippine delegation on Sunday to the 25th Southeast Asian Games to Vientiane, capital of first-time host Laos.

Bad news and good news spiked the eve of the delegation’s departure starting at 6:30 a.m. today from the Centennial Terminal.

Top 50kg weightlifting bet and Olympian Heidlyn Diaz was diagnosed to be afflicted with chicken pox and will not be able to join the delegation.

Weightlifting association secretary-general Roger Dullano made the official announcement to the Philippine Olympic Committee early Saturday and delisted the athlete from the roster.

“It’s very unfortunate because she is the top favorite in the 50-kilogram event,” said Dullano who added that the challenge just got bigger for the four remaining team members.

Some celebration came when news of the water polo team beating Thailand, 6-4, despite some sloppy plays.

The squad will have to be twice as sharp today when they meet perennial champion Singapore in a match that is practically a championship game.

“We have been runner-up to Singapore seven times in 14 SEA Games. We have always been a bridesmaid, maybe this is our year,” swimming association president Mark Joseph said.

Heading the entire delegation is Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr., who will be accompanied by senior officials of the POC. Sepak Takraw association president Mario Tanchangco is the Chief of Mission.

The games in 25 disciplines officially unfold on December 8 with a grand total of 1,268 medals, 510 of them gold. The Philippines is entered in only 22 of the 25 sports and its chances of raising its medal output was greatly reduced with the exclusion of some sports and events where Filipinos excel, one of them basketball.

Cojuangco indicated that Vietnam and Thailand are favorites for the overall title, which the Philippines won in 2005 when Manila hosted the Games.

“Our athletes always do their best and this 25th SEA Games is another challenge for them to heed the call of IOC representative Frank Elizalde to unite and win. Add to that the prayers of our countrymen and we can expect a decent performance from Team Philippines,” Cojuangco said.