On 23 November 2016, the Philippine Embassy in Singapore featured samples of Filipino cuisine and music at the 2016 ASEAN Gala Night held at the Shangri-la Hotel in Singapore. The Laotian Embassy spearheaded this year’s annual cultural event coinciding with Lao’s chairmanship of ASEAN. As is traditionally done, ASEAN missions put up booths to show the diverse and colourful cultures and culinary specialties that help forge the unique ASEAN identity.
The Philippine booth, with a “Fiesta” theme was decorated with, among others, a capiz Christmas parol, Kiping, Masskara, Filipiniana dolls, and miniature jeepneys.
This year’s participation of the Philippine Embassy in the gala night is unique in a number of ways. First, this was the first time that the food and beverage displays where spearheaded by Philippine companies or companies that promote Philippine products.
The Manhattan Fish Market in Singapore provided the chicken Adobo and Sisig Bangus, a part of their Masarap platter promotion from October to November. Saranggani Bay Bangus canapés and Malagos chocolates were personally served by Prime Food Marketing owners Benjamin, Chrisslyn and Adeline Ong.
The different flavours of Carmen’s Best ice cream provided by FORM (lifestyle brand) were also a crowd-drawer. Meanwhile, Bleeding Heart Rum Company’s Managing Director for Asia Pacific, Mr. Andrew Garcia and Business Development Director, Mr. Steve Mills, represented Don Papa Rum and provided miniature Don Papa Rum give-aways and hosted a cocktail bar by La Maison Du Whisky.
Second, there was the presence of a high-ranking official from the Department of Foreign Affairs in the person of Undersecretary for Policy Enrique A. Manalo who was one of the Embassy’s VIP guests. Undersecretary Manalo was in Singapore to deliver a lecture on the Philippines’ priorities of the 2017 ASEAN chairmanship.
The night also showcased another splendid performance by the Singapore-based Filipino vocalist, Mr. Mark Anthony Canios who crooned the popular hits, Anak and Beautiful Girl.
A good number of guests from the Philippine Embassy headed by Philippine Ambassador Antonio A. Morales attended the event. A number of guests from Philippine Embassy won prizes during the much-anticipated lucky draw of the night. Lucky draw from the Philippines included two (2) round trip tickets (SG-MNL-PAL Domestic Destination-MNL SG) from Philippine Airlines, a set of commissioned Coco-wood Jars from Ms. Digna Ryan of Spirit of Asia and a photo (in frame) by Pinoygraphers.
Next year, it will be the Philippine Embassy’s turn to organize the ASEAN gala event.
THE ASEAN GALA NIGHT 2016 IN PICTURES
