Philippine Embassy in Kuwait Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Mohd. Noordin Pendosina N. Lomondot joins the other heads of ASEAN diplomatic missions in Kuwait in the traditional “ASEAN Handshake,” during the 52nd ASEAN founding anniversary diplomatic reception at the Malaysian Embassy on 8 August 2019. (Kuwait PE photo)
15 August 2019 – The Philippine Embassy in Kuwait joined this year’s celebration of the 52nd founding anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) by giving members of the diplomatic corps and Kuwaiti guests a taste of Filipino culture.
Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Mohd. Noordin Pendosina N. Lomondot led the Philippines’ participation at the 2019 ASEAN Day celebration on 8 August 2019, organized by the ASEAN Committee in Kuwait (ACK) and held at the Malaysian Embassy in Kuwait.
“We celebrate ASEAN Day by looking back at the achievements of our 10-member-strong organization over the past 52 years, as well as by recognizing both the diversity and the unity of our peoples that will make our bonds stronger in the next 52 years. I congratulate the ACK for the successful staging of ASEAN’s founding anniversary this year,” Chargé d’Affaires Lomondot said in a statement.
In his remarks, Thai Ambassador to Kuwait and ACK Chair Dusit Manapan hailed ASEAN as a “healthy, active, and strong” organization, which has proven its ability to manage changes in Southeast Asia and the world in the last 52 years. The Ambassador also cited the contributions of almost 300,000 ASEAN citizens—90 percent of whom are Filipinos—in the economic and social development of Kuwait.
The celebration culminated with a feast of Southeast Asian cuisine, which was prepared by participating ASEAN embassies. The Embassy featured Pancit Palabok (rice noodles topped with shrimp sauce, shrimps, smoked fish and egg), Lumpiang Sariwa (fresh vegetables wrapped in egg crêpe, with sweet brown sauce on the side), and Buko Pandan Salad (cold dessert made of coconut meat, jelly cubes and sweet cream) from Mario’s Restaurant, a homegrown Filipino restaurant in Kuwait.
A cultural exhibit by ASEAN embassies was also set up at the Malaysian Embassy lobby. The Philippine display showcased products such as handwoven bags, wooden and capiz products, fans made from coconut leaves, marble mortar and pestle from Bohol, and miniatures of the bahay kubo, jeepney and tricycle. Pamphlets that feature the country’s top tourist destinations were also offered during the exhibit.
The ACK comprises ASEAN diplomatic missions in Kuwait from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The Philippines is one of the five founding members of ASEAN, which was established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand. In 2017, ASEAN marked its milestone 50th anniversary with the Philippines as the regional organization’s chair and host. END
The Philippine Embassy in Kuwait offered VIPs and guests at the 2019 ASEAN Day diplomatic reception with Buko Pandan Salad, Pancit Palabok, and Lumpiang Sariwa. These unique Filipino dishes were prepared by Mario’s Restaurant, a well-known and -loved Pinoy restaurant in Kuwait. (Kuwait PE photo)
Philippine-made products and tourist information pamphlets welcomed ambassadors and guests of the 2019 ASEAN Day diplomatic celebration, in a cultural exhibit that was set up at the lobby of the Malaysian Embassy in Kuwait. (Kuwait PE photo)
