Presidential sisters to attend to APEC spouses

MANILA, Philippines - He has no first lady, so President Aquino’s sisters will see to the needs of the spouses of leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member-economies attending this year’s summit in Manila.

“The presidential sisters are the ones planning and making suggestions. They will also make the tour of Intramuros for the ladies (of the APEC leaders),” Ambassador Marciano Paynor Jr., head of the APEC 2015 National Organizing Council, told a news briefing at Malacañang yesterday.

Presidential sisters Ballsy Cruz, Pinky Abellada, Viel Dee and Kris Aquino may also accompany the wives of APEC leaders should they decide to go shopping.

Paynor said the sisters would have to play host to the APEC leaders’ spouses because Aquino is a bachelor.

Several of the APEC leaders will be unaccompanied by spouses.

Russian President Vladimir Putin got divorced last year.

US President Barack Obama’s wife Michelle is not coming to Manila.

 Like Aquino, South Korea’s President Park Geun-hye is single.

Meanwhile, presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said couturier Paul Cabral will design the special barong Tagalog for the APEC economic leaders to be worn during their annual family photo.

Lacierda said Cabral would also be in charge of the dresses to be worn by the wives of the APEC leaders. 

“Since the Philippines is the APEC host economy, it is fitting and appropriate for the APEC economic leaders to wear the barong Tagalog for such a significant event,” Cabral said.

“Our provision of formal wear for the world leaders is reflective of our renowned hospitality and conveys our people’s warm welcome,” he said.

Cabral began work on the project in April, after he was notified that he won the bidding. 

“As a designer, there is no greater honor than seeing one’s creation being worn by the different heads of economies. As a Filipino, it gives you so much dignity and pride,” he said.