Above: Far left, Mrs. Rosa Rai Djalal, president ASEAN Women’s Club (AWC), acknowledges the three countries presented during second part of the program on cultural presentations. AWC is composed of the wives of the ambassadors in the nation’s capital. Also in photo, from left: Mrs. Maria Victoria Cuisia, (Philippines), Mrs. Hoang Minh Ha, (Vietnam), and Mrs. Datin Mahani (Brunei Darussalam)

Washington, D.C.–The ASEAN Women’s Club (AWC) held a cultural and food presentation last April 19. Three ASEAN countries were presented: Vietnam, Brunei and the Philippines.

ASEAN is the acronym for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The event was hosted by Mrs. Hoang Minh Ha, wife of the Vietnamese Ambassador, and it was held at their beautiful official residence in this capital.

Guests included members of the AWC, the International Women’s Club of Washington, D.C., and many more. The three presenting countries showed their traditional dresses, songs, dances, and a video of their countries tourism, history, and culture.

AWC members and officers are the wives of the ambassadors from the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), spouses of Deputy Chief Missions, Consuls, Attaches and D.C. leaders.

The show’s emcees were Thryza Navarete, Executive Assistant of Philippine Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, and Phuong Nguyen from the Embassy of Vietnam. Both ladies wore their national costumes.

“Bridging Cultures: Brunei, Vietnam, and the Philippines” was the theme. Guests were transported to each countries unique characteristics and cultures. There were very little speeches and more of music, customs and traditions.

The biggest surprised was Mrs. Hoang Minh Ha, who delighted the audience with her sweet voice. She sang several songs in Vietnamese. She also joined several of her staff for a fashion show later, showcasing their regional costumes. Mrs. Datin Mahani, wife of the Brunei Darussalam ambassador, performed in a fashion show.

The Philippines is known for its unique music, dances, and colorful costumes. Jon Melegrito with his guitar, joined by Patrick Pagsibigan, serenaded the audience with the famous Kundiman (love song), “Ang Dalagang Filipina.” PAFC ladies modeled beautiful Filipiniana clothes, with intricate embroideries, and cut out flower designs.

Another presentation was the audio-visual, “More fun in the Philippines,” that Malou Araque and Thryza Navarete put together. The video clips showed the sense of humor of the Filipinos in showing their love and appreciation of their country.

Guests enjoyed culinary delights: Pho and fresh garden egg roll from Vietnam; Brunei with its shrimp and fish chips, beef curries and fragrant rice. Several desserts and other delicacies were also served.

Mrs. Rosa Rai Djalal, wife of the Indonesian Ambassador, and president of the AWC, announced the next set of countries to be presented next month. She also invited everyone to participate in the Avon Breast Cancer Run in this capital.