The Philippine Embassy, together with other ASEAN diplomatic missions in Singapore, participated in the “2017 ASEAN Day Reception”, which was hosted by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Singapore on 23 August 2017 at the Shangri-la Hotel.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, was Guest-of-Honour. In his remarks, FM Balakrishnan emphasized that being part of the ASEAN means that we must not only think of national interests but accept the fact that regional existence sometimes means painful adjustments from the practice of just thinking within the respective countries. This kind of spirit, the FM added, is needed if we want to ensure that ASEAN remains united, credible and relevant in the next 50 years.  FM Balakrishnan’s said that the ASEAN that we see today is one that we can be proud of, and one that gives our children and grandchildren hope for the future.

A book entitled “Fifty Years of ASEAN and Singapore” which was authored by Ambassador-at-Large Tommy Koh was also launched during the event.

Ambassador Antonio A. Morales together with the Minister and the rest of the ASEAN Ambassadors/High Commissioners participated in the official ASEAN group photo and the ASEAN handshake.

As an added highlight of the event, ASEAN diplomatic missions put up cultural and food booths. The Philippine Embassy set up a booth that showcased choice fabrics from the Mindanao region, art works and other cultural items. The backdrop of the Philippine booth featured the Laoag church and the iconic Philippine vinta.

All-time Filipino favourites courtesy of the representative offices of Social Security System and Pag-ibig Fund were on display including chicken adobo, beef salpicao, pancit and turon.

Ambassador Morales and officials of the Philippine Embassy briefed FM Balakrishnan during his tour to the Philippine booth.

The ASEAN Day reception was attended by officials from the Singapore Ministry for Foreign Affairs, diplomatic corps as well as students – including a number of Filipinos – and ASEAN nationals residing in Singapore.