Philippine Consulate General Hosts ASEAN Musical Night

(L-R) Vietnam Consul General Phan Kieu Thu, Thai Consul General Nattanipa Burusapat, Philippine Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin, Indonesian Consul General Nina Kurnia Widhi, and Malaysian Consul General Ahmad Shazril Suhaimi during the ASEAN Musical Night held at the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver. (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

VANCOUVER, 28 MAY 2026 - The Philippine Consulate General, as Chair of the ASEAN Consuls General in Vancouver (ACGV) group from 1 January 2026 -30 June 2026, hosted the ASEAN Musical Night on 26 May 2026 at its Consular Hall. The joyful event showcased ASEAN songs through the talented performance of ASEAN consular employees. The program started with the video presentation of the ASEAN Philippines Chair 2026 hymn.

In her opening remarks, Consul General Gina Jamoralin informed the participants that Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. hosted the 48th ASEAN Summit on 8 May 2026 in Cebu under the theme, ““Navigating our Future Together.” The Summit concluded with a 46-page Chair’s Statement that enumerated, among other things, key deliverables in the ASEAN Political-Security Community, ASEAN Economic Community, and the  ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community. It is in the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) where the ASEAN Musical Night finds its place in ASEAN’s grand discussion of pursuing its motto of “One Vision, One Identity, One Community.” The ASCC is all about realizing the full potential of ASEAN citizens. It may be recalled that the aforementioned Chair’s Statement emphasized the vital role of culture and the arts in (a) enabling the region to respond to emerging challenges; and (b) fostering shared values and practices that strengthen community resilience in ASEAN. It also affirmed that ASEAN must continue to harness culture as a driver of cooperation and sustainable development.

Officers and staff of the ASEAN Consulates General in Vancouver gather for a group photo prior to the evening’s karaoke segment. (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

The Consuls General of the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam started the program by singing music from their own respective countries. A total of 40 participants joined in the fun of a karaoke session to appreciate the diverse music from the different ASEAN members. The ACGV members also shared delectable native dishes of their respective countries as potluck for the event. Spouses Salve and Ed Dayao served as Emcee and Guest Performers who merrily engaged the participants to both sing and dance onstage.

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Guests enjoy traditional dishes from the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, adding a rich cultural dimension to the event. (Photos by Vancouver PCG)

Officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General led by Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin (center). (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

Officers and staff of the Royal Thai Consulate led by Consul General Nattanipa Burusapat (center). (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

(Left photo) Officers and staff of the Malaysian Consulate General led by Consul General Ahmad Shazril Suhaimi. (Right photo) Consul General Phan Kieu Thu (in red) and Consul Nguyen Thai Phuong represent Vietnam. (Photos by Vancouver PCG)

Officers and staff of the Indonesian Consulate General led by Consul General Nina Kurnia Widhi (center). (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

The Consul General of Vietnam opened the night’s karaoke session followed by Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand. The lively and fun atmosphere throughout the program was made possible by the enthusiastic participation of each consulate, with songs from their respective countries proudly showcased throughout the night. 

(Photos by Vancouver PCG)

The Consuls General gamely join in a line dance of the Indonesian novelty song “Poco-Poco.” (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

Consul Gina A. Jamoralin (leftmost) and Deputy Consul General Paul Vincent L. Uy (rightmost) award tokens of appreciation to Mr. Ed and Ms. Salve Dayao for their contribution as emcee and guest performers during the event.  (Photo by Vancouver PCG)