Marcos, FL Liza attend ASEAN Gala Dinner

VIENTIANE - President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. attended the Gala Dinner following the Related Summits in the ASEAN.

Wearing maroon long sleeves, Marcos arrived at the National Convention Center with First Lady Louise ''Liza'' Araneta-Marcos who was in a Filipiniana long gown on Thursday evening.

They were welcomed by Lao PDR Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and Madame Vandara Siphandone.

Aside from ASEAN leaders, other world leaders were also there, including United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Manila's Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo was seen greeting Blinken upon entering the venue.

Brunei's polo-playing prince Abdul Mateen also graced the event, together with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, joined leaders and foreign ministers, dialogue partners of the bloc as well as other invited dignitaries at the Gala Dinner.

On Friday, Marcos is set to attend the 12th ASEAN-US Summit and the 19th East-Asia Summit. The ASEAN-United Nations Summit will also take place within the day.

There will also be a closing ceremony of the Summit and Related Summits and handing over of the ASEAN chairmanship to Malaysia.

Marcos and the entire Philippine delegation is expected to be back in Manila this evening. — VAL/RSJ, GMA Integrated News