“Navigating Our Future, Together” was the theme of the 2026 ASEAN Summit, chaired by the Philippines. It is common knowledge that what had originally been planned as a yearlong schedule of activities that would have effectively act as a showcase of our country, had to suddenly be transitioned to a ‘bare bones’, when possible, strictly online, slew of meetings and discussions. This on account of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, and how it made the travel of large delegations from all over the ASEAN region to the Philippines both problematic, and insensitive, to the global repercussions of the crisis.

One of the central events of our chairing was the 48th ASEAN Summit, when the Heads of State of the member states gathered at the Mactan Expo, Mactan Newtown in Cebu. I had the privilege of having been invited by Megaworld on March 16, when the Mactan Expo Center was officially inaugurated; and it was rewarding to see the Center now being used for this momentous and historical occasion. The presence of the member states made for a great show of unity, cooperation, and resolve to steer the ASEAN proactively and cohesively, through this evolving regional and global landscape.

Economic integration and digital transformation, the commitment to maintaining peace, security and stability in the region, people-centered and sustainable development, are just some of the topics and issues raised during the Summit. And kudos to our President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., as ASEAN Chair, for initiating and brokering the dialogue between Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Manet, over the ongoing border disputes between the two countries. This trilateral meeting, while held on the sidelines of the Summit, would hopefully lead to the resolution of the armed conflict – and may be one of most solid and beneficial outcomes of our ASEAN Chairing.

Enough coverage has been expended on what transpired during those days of May 7 to 8, 2026, the official face of the 48th ASEAN Summit; and how it was a resounding success given that the festivities had been scaled down. What I’d like to draw attention to is my presence at some of the activities that went on, away from the closed-door meetings of the Heads of State.

Our First Lady, Liza Araneta-Marcos had been on top of the physical and logistical preparations for the Summit. While it had originally been earmarked as just for the Heads of State, the news came down that the First Ladies of Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand would be joining their spouses, and there would now be a need to revive some of the original plan of having activities hosted by our First Lady for said spouses, while the Summit would be transpiring.

An intimate lunch with one head table just for the five First Ladies was arranged at the nearby Sheraton Mactan, and it would be a light culinary feast of Filipino, and Cebuano, cuisine. At the foyer of the designated restaurant, an improvised showcase of artisanal bags, scarves, pearl jewelry, statement accessories, and food delicacies was set up by Al Valenciano, Eric Zerrudo, Mico Manalo, and our president’s sister, Irene Marcos-Araneta. A good friend from Cebu, Accessories Designer Neil Felipp, was busy helping make all went off without a hitch.

It was a precious lunch hour of food, Filipino hospitality and music - provided by a solo guitarist, then the entry of the PCSO Chorale, who regaled the First Ladies with artfully arranged songs from their respective countries. Our First Lady was happy to report after, that by pure chance, one of the songs was the personal favorite of the First Lady from that particular country, and she was so pleased and touched with the song choice.

For the official dinner that evening, with the main hall of the Mactan Expo Center converted to a stage and dining area, the musical numbers kicked off with a Sinulog-inspired dance troupe, then Louie Ocampo heading the band that accompanied Jessica Sanchez and Sofronio Vasquez III.

At the table I was assigned to was seated Anya Lagman-Villarica, and she was super-proud to explain how she composed the official theme song of the ASEAN Summit. She’s a young musician, and relayed how she had been one of three blind submissions, and her composition had been selected. There are plans to have SB19 record a version that would give a song an even younger, more upbeat feel - and help popularize the tune.

Come November, at the PICC Manila, the Heads of State are slated to fly back for the official closing of this year’s Chairship, and the turnover to Singapore for the 2027 hosting. I pray it’ll be back to ‘regular programming’ by then; as these events are a boon to our tourism industry, when you factor in the hotel and restaurant business that spikes with our hosting these ASEAN-related events. But for now, a warm congratulations to our successful hosting of the Summit in Newtown Mactan.