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| Spectacular fireworks during the 2012 London Olympics Opening (July 27, 2012) |
(LONDON) Grand, awesome and glittering Olympics’ opening fascinated the more than 80,000 spectators in the Olympic Stadium and a probable billion television viewers around the globe who watched, been inspired and energized in the musical celebration of British history and culture.
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| Summer 2012 Olympics Logo |
Queen Elizabeth's performance with David Craig was the highlight of the show. Her Majesty showed in a short role starred with Daniel Craig as James Bond, who came at Buckingham Palace. Doubles of Bond and the Queen then parachuted from a helicopter above the stadium.
The creative genius
The whole production was created by "Slumdog Millionaire" and “Trainspotting” director Danny Boyle that brought viewers and audience to rock, feel the heat and be inspired. Boyle’s innovation and art combined filmed passages with live action to hypnotic effect with 15,000 volunteers taking part in the show.
The opening
Boyle’s $42.5 million ceremony celebrated English contributions to the world — from irons-melting to the creation of the World Wide Web (Sir Tim Bernes-Lee took part in the event as Inventor of World Wide Web), from Johnny Rotten to Harry Potter, from Rowan Atkinson to Monty Python to Sir Paul McCartney. One segment served as a celebration of England’s National Health Service.
It began with 1,000 drummers marching through a field full of pastoral scenes of farm children and cottages. British actor Kenneth Branagh read from Shakespeare beneath an artificial tree.
Amid an elaborate performance highlighting Britain's cultural contributions to the world, performers danced through a retrospective of British pop music that included the Beatles (live with the remaining performer Sir Paul McCartney), the Stones, Led Zeppelin, New Order and, later, live performances by current acts including Dizzee Rascal and the Arctic Monkeys.
The attire of the performers quickly turned neon as the soundtrack fast-forwarded into the 1980s, with songs including "Sweet Dreams," by the British duo Eurhythmics.
In keeping with the theme of “Inspire a Generation,” seven young British athletes took the light from Sir Steve Redgrave, the legendary rower. They touched their torches to what appeared to be flower petals in the center of the stadium. The petals lit, then rose to form a cauldron at the top.
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| The Olympic Cauldron burns brightly |
Fireworks filled the sky around the Olympic park. Paul McCartney sang the Beatles' classic "Hey Jude," and the games began. The spectacular fireworks totally amazed the crowd, mesmerized the avid viewers in the internet and TV.
The event was designed to highlight the grandeur and peculiarity of Great Britain that invented modern sport.
The messages
“Character counts far more than medals. Reject doping. Respect your opponents. Remember that you are all role models. If you do that, you will inspire a generation,” said the International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Jacques Rogge.
The monarch then said: “I declare open the games of London, celebrating the 30th Olympiad of the modern era.”
The parade
Even the traditional procession of the world’s athletes was livened up by loud, pulsing dance music. That had the athletes marching, even dancing, along at a quickened pace. It’s almost impossible to march somberly when the stadium is vibrating to techno, hip hop, Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” or the Bee Gees’ “Staying Alive.”
Many athletes captured the high adrenalin moment through video and snapshots as they marched with waving of hands.
Audience and viewers reactions
International visitors were equally delighted, some overcome with emotion. Some Britons were clearly proud of the moment. Some thought it was weird but felt they watched a movie with a rocking soundtrack.
The official Xinhua news agency called the opening a "glittering ceremony" that displayed Britain's sense of fun.
"Director Danny Boyle presented to the world a stunning feast for the eyes at the opening ceremony of the London Olympic Games, with the Queen's parachuting, Mr Bean's funny performance, Lord Voldemort's dreamy appearance, a gathering of so many big stars, green landscape and choirs," said a news anchor on state broadcaster CCTV.
Background
The 2012 Summer Olympic Games, officially known as the Games of the XXX Olympiad, and informally as London 2012, began in London, United Kingdom on 27 July and will continue until 12 August 2012. The first event, the group stages in women's football, began two days earlier on 25 July. Around 10,500 athletes from 204 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) are expected to participate.
The London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony took place at 9pm on 27 July 2012 (U.K time)
Titled 'Isles of Wonder', the Ceremony welcomed the finest athletes of the London 2012 Olympic Games, marking a historic third time the capital has hosted the world’s biggest and most important sporting event.
The Opening Ceremony reflected the key themes and priorities of the London 2012 Games, based on sport, inspiration, youth and urban transformation. It was a Ceremony 'for everyone' and celebrated contributions the UK has made to the world through innovation and revolution, as well as the creativity and exuberance of British people.
Cheers to Philippines delegation
The Philippines is represented by 11 athletes who are competing in eight sports, making it the smallest Philippine delegation to the Summer Olympics since 1932. Four of the athletes received their spots because each country is entitled to send two representatives each, for the swimming and athletics categories. The other seven athletes won their spots by participating in the various qualifying matches around the world.
Hidilyn Diaz, the first Filipino weightlifter led the Filipino team in the athletes’ parade. They wore Rajo Laurel designed barong Tagalog matched with salakot.
Mabuhay ang Pinoy!
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References:
AKTV Live TV
Inquirer
ABC News
USA Today
Telegraph
gmanewstv.com
Wikipedia.org
Photo and logo credit:
london2012.com
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