ASEAN anniversary marked with music, food and culture

It was an evening of a culturally diverse people rooted ethnologically, walking side-by-side for a much better region, most especially for their 705 million citizens who are mostly millennials and Gen Z.

Welcome to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 59th anniversary. A wide genre of songs was rendered by four of the eight-member UAE-based Philippine Strings: Sabai-Sabai, Haripunchai, and Lao Duangden (Thailand), Bengawan-Gesang Martohartono (Indonesia), Bunga Sayang (Singapore), and Getawaran Jiwa (Malaysia).

Philippine Strings-founder and newly-formed Dubai Chamber Orchestra co-founder Nilisa Marie Victor, Dubai-based soprano, cellist, music educator, and cultural arts professional, led the “professional orchestra musicians” who performed as well folk, pop and a few kundiman (traditional Filipino love songs) arranged by Abu Dhabi-based Filipino musician/mentor Lex Von Sumayo – apart from “One Vision, One Ocean,” the ASEAN 2026 anthem.

The list: Paru-Parong Bukid, Dahil Sa Yo, Tinikling, Anak, Ang Pipit, Minamahal Kita, Leron Leron Sinta, Mamang Sorbetero, Dalagang Pilipina, Ikaw Ang Mahal Ko, Kataka-taka, Pobreng Alindahaw, Sa Kabukiran, and Sarung Banggi. Composer-arranger of “One Vision, One Ocean,” is Filipino Jed Celeste. It was originally performed by the Plethora rock band and the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra at the May 6-8 “48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings in Cebu City. The Philippines is the current Chair.

The performers’ selection was based on the “commitment to the performance and individual practices beforehand because everyone had different professional commitments and schedules.” A practice strictly observed by any ensemble or orchestra musician anywhere in the world.

“We had one group rehearsal before the event,” added Victor.

The other Dubai-based musicians: Marriane Olga Macawili, Dubai Chamber Orchestra member and Metro Manila Concert Orchestra second violin principal who teaches piano, violin, and choral music; Albert P. Tacud, music educator and pianist who has accompanied choirs, ballet and musical theatre performances across the UAE including Dubai Opera, Dubai World Trade Centre, and House of Pianos Dubai; and Ian Cris Tocle, multi-instrumentalist, violinist and composer-music producer who had represented the UAE in Zee TV’s “Asia’s Singing Superstar.”

From the well-curated menu: Classic Cob Salad; Asian Beef Salad with Sweet Soy Dressing; Salmon, Fennel and Orange Salad; Pomelo Salad with Fried Onions, Cashew Nuts and Chilies; Shrimp Salad with Grilled Eggplant, Chili, and Lime Dressing; Thai Green Papaya Salad with Cherry Tomato, Beans and Cashew Nuts for Starters.

Main Dish: Beef Rendang; Sweet Sour Fish Fillet; Stir Fried Noodles with Chicken; Braised Lamb with Rosemary and Garlic; Pad Thai; Chicken Satay; Nasi Goreng; Hainanese Chicken with Three Sauces; Fried Spring Rolls; Dumplings; and Chicken Adobo.

Dessert: Fruit Platter; Seasonal Fruit Tart; Coffee Tiramisu; Vanilla Crème Brulee; Sago Mango; and Sticky Date Pudding with Caramel Sauce. A Selection of Colas, Water, Tea and Coffee were served.

From Philippine Consul General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates Ambrosio Brian Enciso III who hosted at the Sofitel Obelisk: “The musical repertoire and dinner menu were conceived as a cultural journey through Southeast Asia. We wanted our guests to experience ASEAN as a living community whose countries have distinct traditions, yet remain connected by centuries of exchange, migration, trade and share maritime heritage.”

The “One Vision, One Ocean” is the “expression” of the Southeast Asians’ “common aspirations and collective responsibility for the region’s future.” “The Filipino repertoire naturally gave romantic standards and contemporary pop music which reflected the linguistic, geographic, and musical diversity found throughout our archipelago.”

“The menu represented ASEAN’s unity in diversity: a gathering of individual traditions that become richer when experienced together. It brought together culinary influences from across the region while allowing each dish to retain its own character. Southeast Asian cuisines share many ingredients and sensibilities, including rice, tropical produce, aromatic herbs and spices, and the careful balancing of sweet, sour, salty, and savoury flavours. Yet every country interprets these elements in its own way.”

“Music and food are among the welcoming forms of cultural diplomacy. They cross linguistic boundaries, awaken memories and encourage conversation. We hoped that our guests had a genuine encounter with the warmth, creativity, and cultural abundance of Southeast Asia.”