Best Pinoy Talents Enthralled Leaders At The ASEAN Summit Held in Manila!

By: Jovie Calma

 

The Philippines concluded it’s yearlong ASEAN host duties with the 31st ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Summit on November 10-14, 2017. This year’s theme is “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World”. ASEAN leaders and their dialogue partners were treated to performances of various artists during the red carpet gala reception on Sunday November 12th. The world leaders paid attention to the music being played that night. It featured a musical performance with Hotdog’s iconic song “Manila” as show director Monino Duque used in welcoming the guests and world leaders to Manila. An orchestra, marching band and a rock band, in the viewing pleasure of around 1,300 delegates held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, performed the iconic song.

Leading the performers was Asia’s Queen of Songs, Pilita Corrales. Even Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte gave an impromptu song number, apparently at U.S. President Donald Trump’s request. He sang George Canseco’s “Ikaw” with Pilita Corales. The other notable artists in the likes of Lani Misalucha, Jed Madela, Darren Espanto, Elha Nympha, Sam Shoaf and Jona also performed during the gala dinner. Five different dance forms namely ballet, folk, ballroom, tap and contemporary were staged in signifying the golden anniversary of Asean.

A four-course Filipino-Asian dinner was curated and prepared by multi-awarded Chef, Jessie Sincioco. The attire for the evening was Filipiniana. Albert Andrada, one of the country’s top fashion designers was responsible for the pina cocoon barong for the ASEAN leaders and dialogue partners. Meanwhile, Rajo Laurel, Randy Ortiz and Andrada have designed the Filipiniana attire of the ASEAN leaders’ spouses. The designs were incredibly put together to represent the three major islands of the Philippines- a terno for Luzon, baro’t saya for the Visayas and Muslim-inspired attire for Mindanao. First Lady of the U.S., Melania Trump didn’t join President Trump who attended the summit in the Philippines. The gala showcased a special brand of Filipino hospitality and the best of Filipino artistry.

The opening ceremony of the summit began with a Ramayana- themed performance “Rama Hari”, which was performed by noted artists Arman Ferrer and Lara Maigue along with Ballet Philippines and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. Ramayana is a shared heritage of all ASEAN cultures. The story of a just, strong, and virtuous leader in the person of Rama and his quest for solidarity harmony and peace. Symbolizing the region’s shared goals and aspirations.

An excerpt from the musicale “Rama Hari” was staged based on ASEAN epic, Ramayana. US President Donald Trump, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Indian Prime Minister Narenda Modi and several other leaders from ASEAN’s partner countries graced the glitzy opening ceremony at the Cultural Centre of the Philippines. The summit commenced with the emphasis on connectivity. The libretto in “Rama Hari” was written by National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera and the music was composed by Ryan Cayabyab. Music direction by Joed Balsamo, Choreographed by National Artist of Dance, Alice Reyes and directed by Chris Millado. The performance wowed the crowd the received lots of praises and great reviews. The cultural and musical presentations were an attempt to take a break from the usual song-and-dance highlighting the host country’s culture as displayed in the past.

On the closing night, the ASEAN Music Festival were headlined by six Filipino rock bands, Parokya ni Edgar, Sandwich, The Ransom Collective, Ben&Ben, Silent Sanctuary, Franco and eight acts from ASEAN member countries, D-Hask from Brunei, Chamroeun Sophea and Chhith Sovann Nimith from Cambodia, Mia Ismi Halida from Indonesia, Sack Cells from Laos, Nading Rhapsody from Malaysia and Eint Chit from Myanmar, Asia 7 from Thailand and Tran Thieu Anh from Vietnam. The festival was held at Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati but cancelled after the crowd got rowdy. The organizers decided to cut the concert around 9:00 pm for safety reasons. Overall, it was a grand success as ASEAN celebrates 50 years of robust cooperation amongst nations and working towards a better tomorrow. On a personal note, my special birthday wishes to Patrick Viray (Nov. 8), Neneth Miranda (Nov. 14), Annabelle Leyba (Nov. 14), Nora Tsai (Nov. 18), Jaimie Judelle Alzol (Nov. 21), Edwin Tumlos (Nov. 23), Dr. Manny Escalona (Nov. 24), Dr. Anton Juan (Nov. 25) and to my son, Al Ricmand (Nov. 5). Here’s to more loads of fruitful life, bottomless happiness, and grand success! Cheers! On Thanksgiving, be thankful and celebrate that you all have another day to spend and share the wonderful bounties and blessings bestowed upon our lives. Count your blessings and share the LOVE like an infectious disease and throw kindness like confetti. To all Via Times readers and CPRTV viewers, thank you for your continued support. I wish you and your family to have a blessed Thanksgiving! Until the next issue of Wassup?! Jovie Calma LIVE! God Bless Us All!

At U.S. President Trump’s request, Philippine President Duterte sings during the ASEAN gala dinner

Asia’s Nightingale, Lani Misalucha wowed the crowd at the ASEAN gala reception.

VT/CPRTV’s Jovie Calma’s photo opp with older sister, Jo Ann Alzol and brother-in-law, Nick Alzon taken at Manila Marriott Hotel pre-ASEAN event.

Pinoy Tenor Arman Ferrer showcased his talent headlining at “Rama Hari” during the Opening Ceremony of ASEAN Summit.