ASEAN gala event tonight

Association of Southeast Asian Nations leaders and dialogue partners and their spouses are set to wear intricately designed Philippine national costumes during the Special Gala Celebration of the 50th anniversary of the ASEAN tonight.

President Duterte's Social Secretary Annalyn Tolentino said the Barong Tagalog for the men was designed by top fashion designers.

"Embroidered piña cocoon Barong Tagalog, designed by one of the country's top fashion designers Albert Andrada, will be worn by males," Tolentino said.

The elegant Filipiniana for the ladies were designed by Andrada and other well-known Filipino designers, including Rajo Laurel and Randy Ortiz.

Each barong is named after distinct Filipino qualities such as "magiting," "magiliw," "marangal," "mapayapa," and "magalang," among others. The ASEAN logo is on the garment's customized buttons in the center front and cuffs.