Leaders talk about their APEC experience in Manila

MANILA, Philippines –  High-level representatives of member-economies of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation visited the Philippines to attend the APEC leaders' meeting, sharing their experiences on social media.

Economic leaders an official representatives were welcomed by President Benigno Aquino III in a dinner where they experienced Filipino hospitality through festive culinary dishes, cultural performances and by wearing our Filipino national costume, the barong Tagalog. Some countries also held bilateral meetings at the sidelines of the event.

As the APEC ends, find out what the economic leaders have to say about the APEC week in the Philippines through their social media posts below.

Chile

The first leader to arrive in the country, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet shared that she participated in the APEC, conducted a state visit, and initiated talks for an agreement between Chile and the Philippines. She also attended academic forums during her visit here.

Singapore

One of the most active APEC leaders in social media was Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsieng Loong. Lee shared his APEC journey from his flight to his breakfast meeting to their first plenary session, welcome dinner and touring around Manila.

Lee said he saw jeepneys (public transport) plying the roads in Manila. He also met with youth delegates from Singapore who attended the APEC Voices of the Future conference.

The prime minister also shared they wore barong Tagalog and thanked Aquino’s sister Maria Elena Aquino Cruz for their warm hospitality.

Lee found the APEC Summit in Manila truly productive. He even replied to Filipinos who welcomed him in the country.

Comment of Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsieng Loong

Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also shared his photo with United States President Barack Obama and Akie Abe while they were wearing the traditional Filipino national costume.

United States of America

During Obama’s visit in the Philippines, he reaffirmed ties with the country, and even pledged two ships for the country. The White House photographer captured him during his visit at the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15).

“You can count on the United States,” Obama said.

Brunei

Obama was also captured by the White House photographer sharing a light moment with Brunei Darussalam’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah while they were wearing barong Tagalog for gala dinner hosted by Aquino.

Australia

The top official of Australia, Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull, also shared his photo during his first ever meeting with Obama at the sidelines of APEC.

Canada

Meanwhile, one of the leaders dubbed by netizens as an “APEC Hottie,” Prime Minister Justin James Pierre Trudeau also shared his meeting with Barack Obama during the first day of the APEC summit. 

Trudeau, a crowd favorite, was pleased to visit the country for the APEC. He also held a bilateral meeting with Aquino.

“The ties that bind our countries together are very strong,” Trudeau said.

“So for me to be able to be here and see [the] beautiful and welcoming country so many of my fellow Canadian citizens call home or original home, is a real pleasure,” he added.

Mexico

Another leader dubbed as “APEC Hottie,” Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto shared photos of his state visit in the country where he was seen taking selfies with Filipinos. He also dropped by the Rizal Monument in Manila.

State visit

Ceremony of deposit of wreath at the Luneta Park

APEC Meeting

Hong Kong

In his personal Facebook account, Hong Kong's chief executive also shared his experience during the summit. The Hong Kong leader noticed the strict security for Filipinos and the empty roads during his visit.

Leung and his wife even took a photo with APEC Manila’s security personnel and acknowledged them for their hard work. 

Hong Kong Chief Executive CY Leung took a photo of empty Metro Manila roads. CY Leung, Facebook

Hong Kong Chief Executive CY Leung wearing the barong Tagalog. CY Leung, Facebook

Hong Kong Chief Executive CY Leung took a photo with APEC security personnel. CY Leung, Facebook

Even the APEC Secretariat Michael Chapnick thanked the country for hosting of the high-level summit.

It's a wrap. To all of our Filipino hosts, maraming salamat po. @apec2015ph pic.twitter.com/71oh77OsBu

— Michael Chapnick (@mchapnick) November 20, 2015