Inside the Asean gala dinner

 

President Duterte and partner Honeylet Avanceña with US President Donald Trump and Foreign Secretary Allan Peter Cayetano

The Asean gala dinner last Nov. 12 at  SMX Convention Center  feted delegates of the 10 Asean countries and 10 dialogue partners, six delegates’ spouses, as well as Cabinet secretaries, senators, representatives, local government and various agency officials, businessmen and diplomats—a total of 1,350 guests.

 

Chef Jessie Sincioco and Sofitel catered for the gala dinner, while Via Mare provided food for the cocktails. The venue was styled by designer Ito Kish, while Malacañang florists provided the roses, carnations, celosia and mokara orchids. Black Tiffany chairs were used for the elegant table settings.

 

The outstanding after-dinner program, titled “Bravo, Asean!” was directed by Monino Duque, with stage design by Gino Gonzales and musical arrangement by Danny Tan. The show was divided into three segments: “Manila, Manila” (orchestra, brass band, conducted by Chino Toledo); “Partners” (dance medley); and “Jubilare” (song medley)

Performers and the creative team with President Duterte after the show

 

Tokens for guests included mugs of special Asean-blend coffee, with the presidential seal.

 

Betty Medialdea (center, in blue terno) with spouses of other Cabinet members

 

The dinner entertainment, as requested by President  Duterte himself, featured Beverly Caimen, Freddie Aguilar, Pilita Corrales and more.

 

Guests received tokens, a mug with the presidential seal and special Asean  blend coffee.

Social Secretary Annalyn Tolentino with Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

 

Sen. JV Ejercito with Public Works Undersecretary Karen Jimeno (left) and MTRCB chair Rachel Arenas

 

Tessie Sy-Coson, Joann Benitez, Anna Sobrepeña, Ambassador Grace Princesa, Ambassador Jocelyn Garcia, Chito Sobrepeña

 

 

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