LONDON — In an Olympic moment to remember, Team Philippines was greeted with songs and dances in a joyous welcome rite that left its athletes, officials and guests loving every minute of the bright summer morning Sunday.  
For 30 memorable minutes at the Plaza in the heart of the Athletes Village, 120 performers in colorful costumes sang, danced, ran, jumped  and somersaulted as they entertained the Filipino contingent with  a celebratory show highlighting the flag-raising ritual ahead of the 30th Olympic Games.
Eight of the 11 athletes, five team officials and a handful of guests from the embassy and the Filipino community took part in the ceremony that saw the Philippines become the ninth country in a starting cast of 204 to have its national colors raised as part of the Olympic tradition.
As the  national anthem was played and the flag was raised, the Filipinos stood at attention, many of them with right hand in their hearts, in a solemn part of  the program which culminated  with the athletes, officials and guests heading out to the joyful strains of “Don’t Stop Me.”
In another highlight, an exchange of gifts between chief of mission Manny Lopez and Village Mayor Charles Allen took place shortly after the latter spoke glowing words for the athletes “whose time has come and the real stars of the Olympics.’’
“Ýour time has come. We can’t wait to see you display your athletic talents,” said  Allen to the rousing applause from Team Philippines and the Vietnamese squad which shared the glorious moment with the Filipinos.
Lopez gifted the Village head with a commemorative replica of a golden passenger jeepney placed inside a special box while receiving in return a stainless postcard with engraved local landmarks such as the Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the London Bridge.
As the Philippine official was presenting the gift and giving a firm handshake, Allen told Lopez that the “city is happy to welcome the team’’ while extending his personal good luck wish to the athletes and coaches.
All members of Team RP were present during the ceremony that began a few minutes before high noon, save for weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz,  boxer Mark Anthony Barriga and BMX rider Danny Caluag.
Joining the team on this memorable occassion was RP Ambassador Enrique Manalo, who pulled off a surprise by telling the group that he was celebrating his birthday.
As he received birthday greetings and exchanged handshakes with everyone, including foreign coaches Yasuhiro Sato and Chung Jae-hun, the ambassador told the group that he was  happy “to see you in good spirit and be with you on my special day.”