PRESS RELEASE | PR-151-2024
11 December 2024, Singapore – Embassies and High Commissions of the ASEAN Member States in Singapore, including the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste, gathered at the ASEAN Gala Night held at the Grand Ballroom of the Orchard Hotel on 10 December 2024, with the theme “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience.”
Preparations for the Gala Night were led by the Embassy of Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), the ASEAN Chair for 2024.
Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Mr. Albert Chua served as the Guest of Honor. Other guests included representatives from the Embassies and High Commissions of the ASEAN and ASEAN dialogue partners in Singapore, as well as from other partner institutions and organizations. The event also saw a symbolic handover ceremony of the ASEAN Chairmanship for 2025, from Lao PDR Ambassador Sengkeo Pouangpadith to Malaysian High Commissioner Dato Azfar bin Mohamad Mustafar.
Each ASEAN Mission in Singapore rendered a cultural performance. This year, the angelic voice of Ms. Shine Pacis, a recent graduate of Perpetual Hope International Academy, Singapore’s first Filipino-owned International Christian school, serenaded guests with timeless hits by beloved Filipino artists—When I Met You by the APO Hiking Society, On the Wings of Love by Regine Velasquez, and Reflection by Ms. Lea Salonga. She was joined by other Filipino musicians: Mr. Maynard Pacis on drums, Ms. Rio Dumaguing on keyboards, and Mr. Emman Castillo on acoustic guitar.
This year, the Philippine booth showcased a feast for the senses, wherein guests enjoyed Filipino favorites such as the iconic dessert halo-halo served by Kuya’s Kusinang Pinoy as well as San Miguel Beer paired with Lechon from various lechon restaurants in Singapore: Lechon Republic, Iskina Cebu, Don Lechon, Lechon Pinoy by Lutong Pinoy, and Carcar Cebu Lechon and Inasal (for non-halal guests).
The booth also featured displays of Filipiniana attires from Maison Inabel, men’s barong coats from Filshopper and hand-painted bags by Ms. Jasmin Orosa, embodying the rich weaving culture of the Philippines.
Three lucky draw winners received prizes from Embassy partners including one (1) Singapore-Clark return ticket courtesy of Cebu Pacific Metro Tours, handpainted bag from Ms. Jasmin Orosa and calamansi liqueur courtesy of Destilliera Limtuaco.
Held annually, the ASEAN Gala Night seeks to promote ASEAN culture and strengthen solidarity, connectivity, and integration in the region. Since its inception in 2010, it has served as a culminating event to mark the conclusion of the current ASEAN Chairmanship and the handover of the ASEAN Chairmanship to the incoming Chair. END
