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Manila Bulletin devider Embassies & Foreign Affairs devider SEAPop brings ASEAN cultures together in PH

SEAPop brings ASEAN cultures together in PH

Published Aug 22, 2026 04:30 pm
Joining the ribbon‑cutting ceremony were Avi Dewani Sari Harahap, Minister Counselor for Culture and Information, Indonesian Embassy in the Philippines; Mariel Jasmine Nini, Head of International Cultural Affairs Office, National Commission for Culture and the Arts; Joaquin San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing, SM Supermalls; Jon Pinto, Blackstar Entertainment CEO and Mohd Faizal Sharip, Director of Tourism Malaysia Manila, Embassy of Malaysia (Photo: NCCA)
Joining the ribbon‑cutting ceremony were Avi Dewani Sari Harahap, Minister Counselor for Culture and Information, Indonesian Embassy in the Philippines; Mariel Jasmine Nini, Head of International Cultural Affairs Office, National Commission for Culture and the Arts; Joaquin San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing, SM Supermalls; Jon Pinto, Blackstar Entertainment CEO and Mohd Faizal Sharip, Director of Tourism Malaysia Manila, Embassy of Malaysia (Photo: NCCA)
The Sulong SEAPop Music and Culture Caravan launched at SM City Manila on July 18, bringing together the Philippines and representatives from Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand and South Korea for a public program of music, food and cultural activities.
Held as part of the Philippines’ ASEAN 2026 activities, the event featured performances, workshops, food demonstrations, exhibitions and interactive experiences designed to introduce visitors to the cultures of the region.
Building on the ASEAN–Korea Music Festival, Sulong SEAPop gathered artists, cultural advocates, embassies and cultural missions for a program highlighting both the shared heritage and distinct traditions of Southeast Asia.
The ASEAN Corner delighted young guests with a variety of playful activities (Photos: Badette Cunanan/Manila Bulletin)
The ASEAN Corner delighted young guests with a variety of playful activities (Photos: Badette Cunanan/Manila Bulletin)
Participating embassies and cultural missions contributed ASEAN lectures, indigenous music workshops, gastronomy demonstrations and cultural exhibitions, giving visitors an opportunity to learn more about neighboring countries outside the usual diplomatic setting.
The free SEA Pop Concert featured Cambodia’s G-Devith, Thailand’s James Prescott and Philippine acts HORI7ON and 1ST.ONE. The program also included the SEAPop Talent Competition and special appearances by Thai personalities.
Another highlight was the launch of the ASEAN Passport Stamp Rally, which encourages the public to participate in ASEAN 2026 activities throughout the year.
Visitors received their ASEAN Passports at the event and collected their first commemorative stamps, with more available at succeeding cultural activities around the country.
The initiative is intended to make the Philippines’ ASEAN chairship more accessible to the public while encouraging greater interest in the cultures and traditions of Southeast Asia.
Crowds filled the venue, ready to experience the diversity of ASEAN nations
Crowds filled the venue, ready to experience the diversity of ASEAN nations
Following its Manila launch, the Sulong SEAPop caravan is expected to continue with more music, cultural exchanges and collaborative activities as part of the country’s year-long ASEAN 2026 program.
Through the participation of embassies, artists and cultural organizations, the initiative also highlights the role of cultural diplomacy and people-to-people exchanges in strengthening regional connections.

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