ASEAN Ladies Foundation Joins the Celebration of Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year)

Madame Pamela Manalo and the ALF members participate at the Baci ceremony led by H.E. Sonexay Vannaxay and Madame Bouavone Souksavanh

MANILA 07 May 2024 — The ASEAN Ladies Foundation, Inc. (ALF), led by its Chairperson, Madame Pamela Louise Manalo, joined the festivities of the Pi Mai Lao hosted by His Excellency Sonexay Vannaxay, Lao PDR Ambassador to the Philippines and his spouse Madame Bouavone Souksavanh, the President of the ALF, at their residence on 25 April 2024.

Members of the ALF foundation immersed themselves in the Lao celebration by participating in the interesting and solemn rituals performed during the Pi Mai Lao. The celebration commenced with the Baci ceremony to keep the good spirits inside the body and to generate good luck for the coming year. The participants then wished each other good fortune and blessings while tying a string on each other’s wrist. Lastly, as an expression of respect, the participants gently poured water on the hands of the elderly present at the event wishing them long and healthy lives.

Pi Mai Lao commonly known as the Lao New Year is the most important and celebrated festival in Lao culture. The holiday is one of the purest reflections of Laos’s identity, the reinforcement of family bonds, and the reflection on the opportunities the year ahead can bring. It is usually observed during the month of April depending on the lunar calendar. The origins of the celebration of Lao New Year can be traced back to ancient times, when people performed rituals to ensure a bountiful harvest and prosperity in the coming year. 

Aside from the colorful cultural experience, the Ladies were also treated to a culinary delight of Lao cuisine paired with ice-cold Lao beer during lunch. This was followed by a demonstration of a Lao cultural dance where the members had fun learning the delicate steps and hand movements.

The ASEAN Ladies Foundation supports the events and programs of the Embassy of Lao PDR as its country hosts the ASEAN Summit this year. Through these events, the Foundation aims to promote awareness and understanding of the various histories and cultural heritage of ASEAN member countries. END 

Members of the ALF wish each other blessings and good fortune during the ceremony  

Mme. Pamela Louise Manalo, ALF Chairperson presents a Certificate of Appreciation to H.E. Sonexay Vannaxay, Lao Ambassador to the Philippines and Mme. Bouavone Souksavanh, ALF President