15 January 2018 – Led by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Singapore successfully launched its 2018 ASEAN Chairmanship during the opening ceremony of Experience ASEAN festival held at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park last 12 January.
During the three-day event (which was held until 14 January 2018), three Filipino-owned SMEs showcased their products during the bazaar – (i) filshopper/RYSOLI Enterprises – an online retail store for PH products, such as seashell lanterns (capiz parol); (ii) ProSource International, Inc. which showcases virgin coconut oil products from the Philippines; and (iii) LAKBAON, which sells food products, such as bagoong and atsara.
A Singapore-based group of Filipinas called ‘Kultura’ also performed a Philippine folk dance on the last day of the festival.
Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Joseph Del Mar Yap, together with DFA Undersecretary for Policy Enrique A. Manalo, officers of the Embassy, and other members of the Philippine delegation to the ASEAN SOM Retreat (held on 12 January 2018), attended the opening ceremony.
After the program, Ambassador Yap took the time to visit the PH booths at the bazaar.
“After our successful chairmanship of ASEAN last year, we are relieved at being able to pass the baton to Singapore, whom we know will do a great job in steering the organization,” Ambassador Yap said in a statement sent to Singapore media.
