PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IN SINGAPORE PARTICIPATED IN THE “2017 ASEAN DAY RECEPTION”

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August 24, 2017

PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IN SINGAPORE PARTICIPATED IN THE “2017 ASEAN DAY RECEPTION”

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.

Clockwise from top: ASEAN Heads of Mission and Representatives perform the traditional ASEAN unity group photo with Singapore Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Josephine Teo during the opening of the ASEAN Day Reception at the Shangri-La Hotel Singapore on 22 August 2017; Group photo of the Philippine Embassy team headed by Ambassador Antonio A. Morales in front of the Philippine booth; Ambassador Morales briefs FM Balakrishnan on the concept of the Philippine booth.

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.

Guest at the reception troop to the Philippine booth to indulge in all-time Filipino favourites including pancit canton, chicken adobo, beef salpicao and the ubiquitous turon.

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.