WHILE the economic leaders were converging for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting on Thursday, their spouses were being toured around the historic walled city of Intramuros.
The spouses arriving at the heart of Manila were welcomed by Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez and President Benigno Aquino III’s sisters Maria Elena “Ballsy” Cruz, Aurora Corazon “Pinky” Abellada, Victoria Elisa “Viel” Dee, and Kristina Bernadette “Kris” Aquino.
And since Aquino is a bachelor, the responsibility for playing hosts to the Apec leaders’ spouses fell on the presidential sisters.
Among those in attendance were the spouses of the leaders from Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Chinese Taipei, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam and Singapore.
“The program’s concept is a walk through time, so they will see living recreations of Philippine-Spanish culture,” said Nestor Jardin, the overall artistic director of the spouses’ program.
Aside from providing a historical tour, the presidential sisters also wanted to display the Filipinos’ vaunted hospitality.
“We really want to make sure that everybody who visits the Philippines will go home with a positive impression of all Filipinos,” said the President’s youngest sister Kris Aquino.
The first stop was Fort Santiago where they witnessed a traditional wedding preparation and celebration.
About 200 performers from Ramon Obusan, Dulaang UP, Tanghalang Filipino, and the University of the East dance group showcased music and dances from the Spanish colonial era.
Afterwards, the spouses, together with the presidential sisters and other delegates, had a photo session or family picture-taking at the second gate of the fort.
The spouses were then divided into two groups and rode electronic jeepneys to reach their assigned destinations.
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak’s spouse had to leave early for the airport since their country would be hosting the 27th Association of South East Asian Nations summit.
One group proceeded to Casa Manila where scenes of a mundane Filipino family during the Spanish colonial era were recreated.
The other group headed to San Agustin Church where the Hail Mary, the Queen choir composed of children, sang religious and Spanish songs. Outside, traditional carrozas or carriages moved along the cobblestone path for the spouses to see. PNA
They were reunited at the Ayuntamiento de Manila to have the culminating festivities and luncheon hosted by the presidential sisters.
Complementing the luncheon was a 20-minute program with a roster of performers including singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid, athlete and singer Matteo Guidicelli, and balladeers Erik Santos and Angeline Quinto.
The spouses, Jardin said, were “overwhelmed by the Filipino hospitality as well as the talent that the Filipino artists and craftsmen showcased.”