PH Embassy Celebrates ASEAN Day 2023 in Bangkok
Deputy Chief of Mission and Consul General Edna May G. Lazaro (front row, fifth from the right) joins ASEAN Ambassadors and Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs Senior Officials at the 07 August ASEAN Flag Hoisting ceremony, ASEAN Day 2023 Celebration organized by the Department of ASEAN Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand (photo courtesy of Thai MFA website)
BANGKOK 17 August 2023 – The Philippine Embassy in Bangkok proudly took part in the multiple celebrations of ASEAN Day 2023 in the capital city of Thailand from 07 to 11 August 2023, on the occasion of the 56th anniversary of the establishment of ASEAN.
The Embassy joined the Thai Ministry of Culture on 08 August 2023 in its celebration of the ASEAN Day. The event took place at the ASEAN Cultural Center, a beacon of intercultural exchange, where participants and guests immersed themselves in the flavors, aromas, and traditions of the ASEAN countries.
The centerpiece of this year’s celebration is the engaging exhibition which showcased the exceptional creativity, traditions, and unique culinary identities of the ASEAN member states. The attendees had the privilege of exploring the richness of gastronomic experiences that make up the cultural tapestry of Southeast Asia.
One of the highlights of the event was a cooking demonstration that provided an insight into the diverse use of shrimp paste across the ASEAN countries. This demonstration showcased the various ways in which this traditional ingredient is utilized in local cuisines to create distinctive flavors that reflect the cultural intricacies of each nation. Attendees were treated to an interactive and informative experience that deepened their understanding of the role that food plays in shaping cultural identities.
Representing the Philippines were Chef Harold Bueno, the Dean of the Institute of Tourism and Management at Far Eastern University Manila, and Mr. Datu Shariff Pendatun III, a culinary consultant and lecturer renowned for his expertise in the field. Their presence enriched the event and reinforced the strong bonds of culinary heritage that unite the ASEAN community.
Furthermore, the Deputy Chief of Mission Edna May Lazaro represented the Embassy in the S.E.A. Write Award Ceremony held on Thursday, 10 August 2023 at the Grand Ballroom of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Plaques were presented to the distinguished recipients of the S.E.A. Write Awards for the years 2019 to 2021.
Under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua, the S.E.A. Write Award Ceremony serves as a platform to honor and celebrate exceptional literary contributions from Southeast Asian writers. The 2019-2021 awardees were recognized for their profound impact on the region’s literary landscape, capturing the essence of Southeast Asian culture and heritage through their remarkable works.
The Philippines garnered significant recognition with three outstanding writers receiving the coveted S.E.A. Write Awards. Mr. John Iremil Teodoro, a luminary in the realm of Philippine literature, was honored for his poignant work “Pagngaran sa Elepante” (Naming the Elephant) for 2019. For the year 2020, Ms. Christina Pantoja-Hidalgo’s enchanting masterpiece “Pagan: City of Four Million Pagodas” captivated the hearts of the award’s committee. In 2021, Mr. Nicholas B. Pichay’s creation “Tanaw Mula sa Court of Appeals” (View from the Court of Appeals) earned him the award.
The event showcased the literary prowess and creative brilliance that the Philippines brings to the S.E.A. Write Awards, underscoring the country’s rich literary heritage and its enduring impact on the region.
The S.E.A. Write Award Ceremony was a resounding success, honoring writers, and their invaluable contributions to the tapestry of Southeast Asian literature. The event served as a testament to the power of words to transcend borders, unite cultures, and inspire generations.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, was established on 08 August 1967 in Bangkok with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration) by the five founding members of ASEAN: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. END
08 August 2023: (left photo) DCM Lazaro and Cultural Officer Ms. Evonne Avril B. Manayao with Mr. Datu Shariff Pendatun III and Mr. Harold Bueno, representing the Philippines at the ASEAN Day 2023 Celebration organized by the Thai Ministry of Culture; (right photo) Culture Minister Itthiphol Khunpluem visits the Philippine booth. (photos courtesy of the Ministry of Culture)
08 August 2023: Second Secretary Beatriz Ines L. Herrera-Davila (front row, fourth from left) joins ASEAN Ambassadors and Representatives, and Thai Government Officials at a cake-cutting ceremony led by Indonesian Ambassador Rachmat Budiman at the ASEAN Day Celebration, C asean Forum 2023 organized by the C asean foundation. (Photo courtesy of the Embassy of Indonesia in Bangkok)
08 August 2023: DCM Lazaro at the Arts in Heritage opening ceremony organized by the Southeast Asian Ministers of Educations Organization (SEAMEO) Regional Center for Archaeology and Fine Arts at the Bangkok Art & Culture Center (photo courtesy of SEAMEO)
10 August 2023: Awardees of the Southeast Asia (S.E.A.) Write Award 2019,2020, 2021 during the Awarding Ceremony attended by DCM Lazaro (photo courtesy of S.E.A. Write Award organizers)
For more information, visit https://www.bangkokpe.dfa.gov.ph, or https://www.facebook.com/PHinThailand/.