Agreeing with the assessment made for the Philippines due to its hospitable aura and ability to maintain strong friendships and openness with other countries, President Marcos said he would present the country as laid-back and welcoming, especially in its hosting of the 48th ASEAN Summit.

"Yes, I do actually," he said when asked during his post-ASEAN Summit press briefing on Tuesday night, Oct. 28, if he agrees with the observation.

 

"But you know, it's a – walang pressure. We are held to a certain standard. But that's the same with every Chairship that happens," he added.

The President expressed that it was actually a good starting point, especially in efforts to establish consensus among ASEAN leaders.

He also believes it would serve as the country's advantage during its chairship.

"I'm glad that ang starting point natin, ang tingin sa Pilipino ay yun na nga 'chill' at madaling kausap (our starting point is that they think Filipinos are chill and easy to talk to). That's a big help pagka (when) you're trying to find consensus," Marcos said.

"So yes, I agree. Sa palagay ko naman totoo din naman na talagang ganoon ang Pinoy. Magaan ang ugali ng Pinoy talaga (I think it's actually true that Filipinos are easy to get along with). And that is to our advantage, that is to our advantage," the President said.

"And we will present always the best possible side so that we are met with the most possible successes. That's something that we can put in our pocket and say, advantage natin ito (this is our advantage)," he added. 

 

"I don't know that we are more hospitable or more chill than the other countries. But to be seen that way is already an advantage," he further said.

When asked what image of the Philippines he would project in 2026 during its hosting of the 48th ASEAN Summit, he said: chill and hospitable.