MANILA, Philippines - Donning their Barong Tagalogs, the 21 leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gathered at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday night for a welcome dinner hosted by the Philippines.
The visiting APEC leaders arrived at the venue one after another past 8 p.m. and were welcomed by President Benigno Aquino III, Senate President Franklin Drilon, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte and other Filipino officials.
The APEC leaders also had the chance to chat before their official family photos were taken.
Aquino hoped that the gathering will strengthen old friendships among APEC members and make new ones.
The president offered a toast to the stability of the Asia-Pacific region as the South China Sea dispute hounds the annual summit.
"May I ask you all to join me in a toast before we partake of our meal and bond with each other: to the stability and progress of the Asia Pacific, and to the friendship and partnerships that are bringing our economies closer as we work to solve our common problems," he said.
Aquino, who was seated beside Chinese President Xi Jinping in the previous plenary session, praised China for its "truly impressive hosting" of the APEC summit in 2014.
Aquino hoped that Manila's hosting of the event will showcase Filipinos' culture and talent.
"Tonight, we Filipinos want to share something of our culture through our food, songs, and dance. And it is my hope you will see why so many have said it is more fun in the Philippines," he said.
Aquino: To the stability and progress of the Asia Pacific, mabuhay! #APEC2015 pic.twitter.com/IDy1JA6xQg
— People's Television (@PTVph) November 18, 2015 First course to be served to the APEC world leaders. #APEC2015 | via @MargaritaFores pic.twitter.com/S4ndb8afH4
— People's Television (@PTVph) November 18, 2015 Toast of President Aquino at the dinner for APEC Economic Leaders: https://t.co/0xYrAgCRK5 pic.twitter.com/tZLc57tjAI
— Official Gazette PH (@govph) November 18, 2015 PHOTO: @elgammaofficial performing at the #APEC2015 Economic Leaders Meeting welcome dinner. https://t.co/u3KGLLYzE0 pic.twitter.com/1SIt0MJf0B
— APEC 2015 (@apec2015ph) November 18, 2015 PHOTO: "Bagobo and Kalinga Suite" dance performance at the #APEC2015 Leaders Meeting dinner. https://t.co/u3KGLLYzE0 pic.twitter.com/fUcw3lrgNd
— APEC 2015 (@apec2015ph) November 18, 2015