Making sure that he captures the “sounds” of the host country.
In a series of posts on social media, Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has done it once again.
The city-island state’s head of government, who previously utilized the song Pantropiko by the Nation’s Girl Group BINI for the highlight reel of his state visit to the Philippines in 2025, has used original Filipino music (OPM) music once again.
In the first video uploaded on his social media page last Thursday, May 7, Wong shared scenes from his arrival in Cebu all the way to the venue of the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Meetings, which were held in Lapu-Lapu City.
In the caption, he wrote: “Received a warm welcome in Cebu for the 48th ASEAN Summit. There’s much to discuss, especially the regional impact of the Middle East crisis and how we should respond. Look forward to a productive day of meetings tomorrow.”
But, to add life to the video, Wong opted to use the popular song Dilaw by singer-songwriter Maki.
If the first one was still on a far serious note, the PM broke the ice—or ate some crushed ones, rather—as he decided to beat the summer heat with a bowl of the Filipino dessert called halo-halo.
The head of Singapore’s government quipped in the caption, “A little halo-halo, a lot of hellos. ASEAN gatherings are all about good conversations, practical cooperation and a shared sense of purpose.”
And making their return to his feed are the girls of BINI, as Wong used their other hit single, Salamin, Salamin, this time.
While this is on a lighter note, the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings was no less than important, especially with the ongoing global circumstances at this time.
During the two-day meeting between regional leaders, they discussed pressing matters, such as energy and food security, as well as the welfare of ASEAN nationals in the Middle East, where the situation remains volatile.
Later this year, the Philippines will once again host the summit, with the 49th edition set to take place in Metro Manila.