MANILA: The 10 ASEAN heads of state and several world leaders attending the 31st ASEAN Summit and Related Summits tonight were treated to a gala dinner held to mark the regional grouping’s 50th anniversary.
Hosted by President Rodrigo Duterte, the dinner at the SMX Convention Center marks the beginning of the three-day Summits where leaders from 20 countries, European Union and United Nations are converging in the capital for their annual gathering.
Among guests at the dinner were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, United States President Donald Trump and Premier Li Keqiang of China.
“I am looking forward to start in positive note with tonight’s celebration of 50 years of ASEAN,” said Duterte in his remarks at the dinner.
The ASEAN leaders and dialogue partners came wearing the Filipianna outfit of pina cocoon barong, while their spouses wore gowns, all inspired by the Philippines’ three islands – Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Giant lanterns from San Fernando, Pampanga, which showcased the 50 years of the regional bloc, greeted the leaders as arrived at the venue.
Renowned chef Jessie Sincioco prepared a four-course Filipino-Asian meal for the 1,300 guests.
The guests also witnessed five different dance forms – ballet, folk, ballroom, tap, and contemporary–which signify the 50 years of the diversity and partnership of the 10-member nations of ASEAN.
On Monday, the 31st ASEAN Summit and Related Summits will be officiated by Duterte at the Cultural Centre of the Philippines before the leaders gather at the Philippine International Convention Centre for a series of meetings, including the 40th anniversary of ASEAN-US Dialogue Relations.– BERNAMA