Dolly Anne Carvajal talks about the 2007 southeast Asian Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

For Inquirer columnist Dolly Anne Carvajal, she remembering the 2007 Southeast Asian Games in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), Thailand.

No to network wars, yes to Southeast Asian Games coverage, but for rival networks ABS-CBN and GMA (Global Media Arts) Network along with government station channel 4 and ABC TV-5 to air this sporting event.

She was accompanied by Ambassador Marciano Paynor, Jr. and Senate president Vicente Sotto III for a meeting on preparing the 2007 Southeast Asian Games.

Also joined by Ricky Lo, Boy Abunda and Butch Francisco of rival Philippine Star, Crispina Belen, Jeffrey Espiritu, Dindo Balares of Manila Bulletin, Isah V. Red of Manila Standard Today, Ricky Calderon of the Manila Times and other tabloid columnists such as Lolit Solis and Cristy Fermin of Pilipino Star Ngayon.

The ceremony, which will be broadcast live in the region and around the world, starts at 7 p.m. It is expected to last 3 hours.

Program starts at 6 p.m. (7 p.m. in Manila) with (His Royal Highness) Crown Prince Maha Vajir­longkorn, representing his father Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who celebrated his 80th birthday Wednesday, as special guest of honor.

More than 8,000 performers have been tapped for the extravagant opening ceremony that will showcase the rich culture of Thailand in eight different ways—Amazing Royal Merit, Amazing Northeast, Amazing Korat, Amazing Sport Aspiration, Amazing Torch Light (light the torch pot), Amazing Spirit, Amazing Friendship and Amazing Capital.

Four television networks—government-owned IBC-13, NBN-4 and RPN-9 and privately owned ABC-5—form the local broadcast pool, while Mabuhay Satellite will transmit the feed to all international broadcasters and will use the Philippines’ first and only satellite, Agila 2.

“All preparations are now in place. Only minor details are to be polished, particularly the security arrangement in the area. But, overall, we’re very optimistic about it,” said Virgilio Nadal, executive producer of the opening and closing committees of the 2005 Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Philsoc).