Duterte hosts gala dinner for leaders of ASEAN, dialogue partners

November 12, 2017

President Rodrigo Duterte welcomed 20 leaders from member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and dialogue partners by hosting a gala dinner in Pasay City.

In a brief speech, Duterte said the gathering was also an occasion to celebrate the 50th anniversary of ASEAN.

"I look forward to having constructive and substantive discussions with Your Majesty and Your Excellencies in our upcoming meetings. Let us start on a positive note with tonight’s celebration of ASEAN’s 50 years," he said.

Duterte, accompanied by partner Cielito "Honeylet" Avancena, was seated beside United States President Donald Trump, who wore embroidered piña cocoon Barong Tagalog, the country's national costume, similar with the other male leaders.

According to President’s Social Secretary Annalyn Tolentino, each barong was named after distinct Filipino qualities such as "magiting", "magiliw", "marangal", "mapayapa", "magalang", among others. The ASEAN logo was also shown through the garment's customized buttons, found in the center front and cuffs.

Elegant Filipiniana attire were worn by the leaders' spouses. It has a design theme inspired by the three major Philippine islands: "terno" made of high-quality poly Thai silk for Luzon, "baro't saya" made of piña cocoon for the Visayas, and a Mindanao-inspired garment made of piña cloth and special fabric.

The guests were treated to a four-course Filipino-Asian fusion menu while Filipino artists entertained them. Celerina Monte/DMS