Duterte, partner Honeylet receive world leaders in ASEAN gala

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte gets his attire fixed by his partner Honeylet as they prepare to welcome the leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states and dialogue partners for the dinner hosted by the Philippines at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on November 12, 2017. KING RODRIGUEZ/PRESIDENIAL PHOTO

MANILA — United States President Donald Trump and other world leaders clad in Philippine costume were received warmly by President Rodrigo Duterte and his partner Honeylet Avancena at the SMX Convention Sunday night for the celebration of the 50th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) anniversary.

At the gala, Filipina chef Jessie Sincioco prepared the menu for the delegates, with Sinigang na Maya-Maya sa Miso and Bistek Sushi as main course, Ensaladang Ubod at ALugbati as appetizer and Budin or Filipino caramel flan as dessert.

During the welcoming of delegates, President Trump was seen chatting with President Duterte’s partner Honeylet Avencena before posing for a photograph with the leaders.

The US leader arrived in Manila Sunday night without his wife, Melania.

During the photo opportunity, Trump stood beside President Duterte while Chinese Premier Li Keqiang was beside Honeylet.

Trump joined leaders and spouses as they sat together in the presidential table.

The Presidenr delivered his speech and offered a toast.

In his speech, President Duterte said he is expecting a productive and “constructive discussions” on the meetings that will be held in the following days.

He also stressed that there should be cooperation and unity towards centrality and the continuous success of the regional bloc.

After the speech, ASEAN participants were treated with variety of performances such as folk dance, tap dance, ballet and song numbers from Filipino artists like Jed Madela, Rachel Ann Go and Darren Espanto.

According to Malacanang, the President is expected to receive Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc for bilateral meetings.