Copyright (c) 2005 People's Television Network (formerly NBN-4) and TV5 Network Inc. (formerly ABC-5)

The Philippines played host to the 23rd Southeast Asian Games from 27 November to 5 December 2005, and while Manila served as the main host site, other provinces such as Cavite, Laguna, Pampanga and Zambales, and two provinces in Visayas - Cebu and Negros Occidental, held some of the other sports. This was the third time the country has hosted the SEA Games, having previously staged the event twice, respectively in 1981 and 1991.

Around 5,336 athletes from all of the 11 nations have taken part at the event, which featured 443 medal events in 40 sports, but basketball is absent from the Games as the Philippines is suspended by FIBA due to a conflict between the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) - then the governing body of basketball in the country, and the Philippine Olympic Committee.

It is noted that the 2005 SEA Games seemed to have brought forth a concept of holding ceremonies of multi-sport games in an open-air venue rather than a stadium; both the opening and closing ceremonies were staged at the Quirino Grandstand, near Rizal Park in Manila, and it then set a record - at the time - for the world's largest live attendance in an opening ceremony, having attracted 200,000 spectators.

Notably, the Philippines won their first overall title in the SEA Games after collecting 112 golds, 85 silvers and 93 bronzes; the hosts are followed by Thailand and Vietnam, at second and third respectively.

The 2005 SEA Games were deemed successful, though there were numerous flaws and controversies before and during the event - such as the organizers' decision to scatter the events in multiple cities across the country which eventually posed logistical issues for the athletes and officials, the Games, overall, was a celebration of Filipino talent, sportsmanship, and creativity, being a testament to the Filipino people's enduring spirit and unwavering dedication to achieving greatness in all aspects of life.

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