19 August 2014 – The commemorative reception of the 47th Anniversary of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was successfully held on August 15 at the Bulwagang Apolinario Mabini, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and was attended by the Heads of Delegation and Representatives from the Embassies of ASEAN Member States and ASEAN Dialogue Partners in Manila, former ambassadors and officials from various ASEAN sectoral agencies.
In his opening remarks, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario recognized “the generous contributions” of ASEAN Member States’ Diplomatic Missions in Manila in promoting ASEAN’s goals.
“We salute ASEAN and our 47 years of friendship, cooperation and constructive engagement. We look forward to a more vibrant ASEAN in the coming years, and to the beginning of a more meaningful ASEAN integration by 2015. We look forward to a strengthened ASEAN institutions and mechanisms to not only reflect the ASEAN peoples’ resilience but also highlight the region’s best assets and bright prospects: a people-centered, inclusive, and progressive ASEAN,” Secretary del Rosario said.
The cultural program of the reception consisted of the singing of the ASEAN Anthem (The ASEAN Way) led by Hail Mary the Queen Choir, who also left the audience in awe as the Choir completed an act accenting selected native songs. Bayanihan resident soprano Anne Luis serenaded the audience with her rendition of another Tagalog original “Bituing Marikit.” London trained Ma. Regina Montesclaros and Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) President Dr. Raul Sunico performed classic piano pieces and were later joined by the other performers in the singing of the ASEAN Song of Unity entitled “ASEAN, Oh ASEAN,” coupled with an audio-visual presentation on ASEAN.
The commemorative reception was preceded by the opening of an exhibit entitled “Woven Identities: Clothing Traditions of ASEAN.”
Madame Gretchen del Rosario and National Commission of Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Chairman Felipe de Leon, as witnessed by Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for ASEAN Affairs Luis T. Cruz and by the Heads of Delegation and Representatives from the Embassies of ASEAN Member States in Manila, led the ribbon- cutting ceremony of the exhibit, which showcases a plethora of weaving techniques and skillful embroidery of all ASEAN attires as a symbol of identity, tradition and heritage.
NCCA curator Charisse Aquino-Tugade guided distinguished guests throughout the exhibit, which is open for viewing until August 22.
The 47th ASEAN Day Celebration was led by the DFA’s Office of ASEAN Affairs, in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. END