PHILIPPINE DANCES SHINE AT ASEAN SPOUSES CIRCLE D.C. – ASEAN CULTURE DAY

PRESS RELEASE

WDC-80-2024

21 October 2024

Embassy Press and Information Section

WASHINGTON D.C. – The ASEAN Spouses Circle of Washington, D.C. (ASC-DC) and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (CJCLS) successfully hosted the 2024 ASEAN Culture Day on 16 October 2024 at the CJCLS Washington D.C. Temple Visitors’ Center. The event celebrated the rich and diverse cultural heritage of ASEAN member countries, bringing together a colorful array of performances, fashion, and traditional arts.

The ASC-DC, under the leadership of Vietnam, showcased the cultures of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore to the attendees. Highlights included traditional dances and fashion shows, offering a glimpse into the unique characteristics of each ASEAN member country.

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, emphasizing ASEAN’s strength in cultural diversity. “As a community of unity in diversity, the diversity of ASEAN lies much in its rich culture… We are proud that our cultural heritage plays such an important role in building friendships and partnerships, both within ASEAN and with our friends around the world,” Mme. Tran said.

On behalf of Philippine Ambassador H.E. Jose Manuel G. Romualdez as the current chair of the ASEAN Committee in Washington, D.C. (ACW), Deputy Chief of Mission Jaime Ramon Ascalon, Jr. greeted the audience with his opening remarks. He highlighted the role of cultural diplomacy in tandem with traditional diplomacy, stating, “Events like ASEAN Culture Day and the upcoming ASEAN Spouses Circle Bazaar in November remind us of the equally vital role cultural gatherings play in fostering deeper connections. They complement the diplomatic work we do in the ACW by reinforcing the relationships that underlie our region’s peace and stability.” He added that “thanks to the ASC, we are reminded that ASEAN is not just a geographical region, but a community bound by shared values and a common vision of peace, security, and prosperity for all.”

Ms. Mauri Earl, Director of International Affairs for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, reiterated the celebration’s message of unity through culture. “Today we celebrate the richness of culture and the significance of heritage throughout South East Asia and beyond…As we watch and participate in each of the shared performances today, I hope you feel uplifted and inspired by the vast and rich cultures of the region. Let us continue in this pursuit for a more hopeful and peaceful world for all, now and always,” Ms. Earl remarked.

For its cultural showcase this year, the Philippines invited Sayaw Diversity, a local Filipino dance group to display the rich, festive, and diverse dances of the Philippines, featuring a variety of traditional dances such as Ragragsakan, Singkil, Tinikling, Ati-Atihan, Manton de Manila, Malong dance, and more.

The event was graced with the presence of ASEAN Ambassadors to the United States and their spouses, members of the ASC, officers and members of the Church, and other members of the diplomatic corps.

The ASEAN Spouses Circle DC (ASC-DC) is an independent organization that complements the work of the ASEAN Committee in Washington, D.C. (ACW). Its mission is to foster ASEAN identity, strengthen solidarity among its members, and promote mutual understanding between ASEAN and the American people through cultural and socio-development initiatives. ###