ASEAN gala dinner set-up at the SMX Convention Center

Photos of the set-up at the SMX Convention Center for the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit gala dinner have been released by Malacañang.

Subtle Filipino elements transformed the SMX Convention Center in Pasay into quite the venue for the special gala dinner welcoming the heads of state to the Philippines on Sunday.

The black walls of the convention center and soft warm lighting from Filipiniana lanterns hanging from the ceiling allow the large shimmering chandelier to take center stage.

Guests entered the main hall through a backdrop wall that will remind you of Intramuros facade. Upon entering, flora will greet the guests, with lanterns further in the back.

ASEAN leaders Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, Lao People's Democratic Republic Prime Minister Thoughloun Sisoulith, Indonesia President Joko Widodo, Malayasian Prime Minister Najib Razak, Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Thailand's Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah, and Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phu have arrived in the Philippines and are expected to attend the event.

Dialogue partners United States President Donald Trump, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Candian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, New Zealand's Jacinda Adern, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and the Republic of China Premier Li Keqiang who earlier landed in the country are also anticipated at the gala dinner.

Chef Jessie Sinsioco and Sofitel Philippine Plaza prepared a four-course meal for the dignitaries, starting with salad (Ensaladang Ubod at Alugbati) and soup (Sinigang na Maya-Maya sa Miso).

For their main course, guests will have to choose between Bistek Sushi or Charcoal Grilled Apahap fillet. The meal will finish with "Budin" or Filipino Caramel Flan.

ASEAN leaders, dialogue partners and their respective spouses will enjoy this meal for dinner. ????: Palace pic.twitter.com/zv5GyltlIq

— Trisha Macas (@trishamacas) November 12, 2017

There will be a three-part program of music, dance, and song dubbed "Bravo, ASEAN!" — LA/BM, GMA News