Asean leaders to wear Mindanao-inspired attire
SOUTHEAST Asian leaders and their spouses will be donning Mindanaoinspired attire at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit Gala Dinner, Malacañang said Thursday.
Asean leaders will be clad in Mindanao-inspired barong Tagalog by Rajo Laurel featuring fabrics from different Philippine ethno-linguistic tribes, Palace said in a statement.
Their spouses, meanwhile, will wear Rhett Eala's formal wear made from gazar or mikado fabric for the top and crepe fabric for the bottom.
Asean's heads of states and their spouses will attend the Asean Summit Gala Dinner hosted by President Rodrigo Duterte at the Grand Ballroom of Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila on Saturday.
Malacañang said around 800 guests, consisting of Asean leaders, their spouses, their respective delegations, members of the diplomatic corps, government officials and business leaders are expected to grace the event.
The gala dinner, themed "Asean Fiesta," will showcase the Filipino people's "innate warmth and hospitality."
"Asean Fiesta, a postsummit event, aims to celebrate the Philippines' cultural diversity and commonality with its Asean neighbors," Palace said.
"It will display the Philippines' unique brand of hospitality, art and culture, and outstanding local talents; and will also showcase the commonalities of Filipino heritage with their Asean brothers," it added.
A singkaban arch and festival banners will be set up at the hotel's driveway.
Upon the guests arrive at Sofitel, Malacañang said they will be greeted by locals wearing various indigenous garbs and music rendered by the Citizen's Brigade Band of Dasmariñas, Cavite.
Asean leaders, along with their spouses and delegates, will also be serenaded by a string octet from the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra while having dinner.
Native dance and music performance akin in origin and style from other Asean cultures will also be showcased.