Philippines puts Filipino culture and hospitality on display as ASEAN media center opens

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
November 14, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Philippine Information Agency

The Philippines is using the 49th ASEAN Summit as an opportunity to introduce its culture, cuisine and hospitality to the international press, with the opening of the International Media Center at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Presidential Communications Office Acting Secretary Lino Cayetano led the center’s inauguration on Friday, November 13, welcoming local and foreign journalists who will cover the high-level regional meetings.

Designed as the main working hub for accredited media, the facility offers dedicated workspaces, briefing rooms, broadcast areas, technology and connectivity services to support coverage of the summit.

But beyond its newsroom facilities, the center also gives visiting journalists a glimpse of Filipino life through cultural exhibits, regional food selections and locally made products.

The Department of Tourism has set up spaces featuring coffee, cacao and coconut-based drinks, as well as traditional Filipino hilot at a health and wellness hub. Food stations also highlight culinary specialties from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

An exhibit featuring products from micro, small and medium enterprises gives international delegates an opportunity to discover Filipino craftsmanship and homegrown businesses.

Cultural performances were also part of the opening program, with the Sining Lahi Dance Troupe of Lakandula High School presenting traditional Filipino dances.

Cayetano said the media center was designed not only to provide journalists with a comfortable workplace but also to serve as a window into the Philippines.

ASEAN 2026 National Organizing Council Director-General Hellen de la Vega, meanwhile, emphasized the importance of providing journalists with the resources they need to report on the summit and explain the discussions to audiences around the world.

The International Media Center is expected to accommodate around 2,000 local and foreign journalists covering the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings.

The Philippines is hosting the regional gathering as ASEAN chair for 2026, with the summit serving as the culmination of its yearlong chairmanship.