PH EMBASSY HIGHLIGHTS FILIPINO CRAFTSMANSHIP AT ASEAN SPOUSES CIRCLE D.C. – ASEAN AND FRIENDS BAZAAR

PRESS RELEASE

WDC-92-2024

20 November 2024

Embassy Press and Information Section

info@phembassy-us.org

WASHINGTON D.C. – The ASEAN Spouses Circle of Washington, D.C. (ASC-DC) and the Asian American Chamber of Commerce (AACC) hosted the ASEAN and Friends Bazaar on 16 November 2024 at the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City.

The ASC-DC, under the leadership of Vietnam, presented a rich tapestry of products, cultural displays, and performances from Brunei, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Mme. Tran Thi Bich Van, President of the ASC-DC and spouse of Vietnamese Ambassador to the United States H.E. Nguyen Quoc Dung, warmly welcomed guests, sharing the spirit of ASEAN unity and the importance of celebrating the region’s diversity.

The Philippine booth captivated attendees with its vibrant array of handcrafted products, including regional textiles, intricately designed boxes and trays made from shells, festive Pinoy Santa ornaments, and parol (traditional star lanterns). Filipino delicacies such as dried mangoes, calamansi juice, and ube cake added to the booth’s appeal, offering guests a taste of the Philippines.

Adding to the cultural showcase, the George Washington University Philippine Cultural Society (GWU-PCS) enthralled the audience with traditional Filipino dances. Their performances of Manmanok and Tinikling received enthusiastic applause, highlighting the dynamic and colorful heritage of the Philippines.

The bazaar was attended by the officials of ASEAN Embassies in the United States, members of the ASC, members of the diplomatic corps, and the general public. The event highlighted ASEAN’s collective spirit and strengthened ties with the broader Washington, D.C. community through culture, art, and trade. ###