LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão once again won over journalists covering the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit here after handing out candies to members of the media while avoiding questions on the sidelines of the regional gathering.

Gusmão, who attended the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu for the first time following Timor-Leste’s integration into the bloc last year, casually pulled out candies from his pocket on May 7, when approached by reporters at the venue.

“Do you have candies, just like before in Malaysia, you gave us candies?” one reporter jokingly asked the Timor-Leste leader.

Without saying much, Gusmão smiled and pulled out Fisherman’s Friend candies and some chocolates from his pocket, prompting laughter from journalists gathered around him.

“Wow, you have. No, no, it’s just a joke, sir,” the reporter replied.

As reporters continued attempting to ask questions about the summit, Gusmão playfully dodged them by continuing to offer candies to the media.

The Timor-Leste leader has become known among ASEAN journalists for his habit of handing out sweets to tired reporters during international summits.

The gesture first gained attention during the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council-China Summit in Malaysia in May 2025 and again during the 47th ASEAN Summit later that year.

At previous summits, Gusmão was seen approaching waiting journalists and offering them candies from his suit pocket, sometimes telling them, “Take it, you’ve waited so long.”

The simple gesture has since become associated with the veteran statesman’s approachable and relaxed leadership style amid otherwise formal and high-pressure diplomatic gatherings.