The barong-clad world leaders at the APEC gala dinner

(Updated 10:15 p.m.) The 20 heads of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) states on Wednesday night were welcomed by President Benigno Aquino III and his sister Ballsy Aquino-Cruz to the gala dinner in the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The leaders, including their spouses, donned the creations of Filipino fashion designer Paul Cabral: barong tagalog for the gentlemen and piña jackets for the ladies.

While waiting for the others to arrive, the leaders had a chance to enjoy cocktails and briefly chat each other. They were also greeted by Senate President Franklin Drilon and House Speaker Sonny Belmonte by the cocktail area.

After greeting the leaders and posing for photos with each of them, Aquino and his sister led them for the group photo before heading to the garden-themed dining hall.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and United States President Barack Obama were seen exchanging pleasantries, despite Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei saying earlier that the United States should keep out of the South China Sea dispute.

The venue was set up by industrial designer Kenneth Cobonpue, the dinner's creative director.

Dinner was served by chefs Margarita Fores and Glenda Barretto, who prepared ensalada tagala, duck estofado, smoked kesong puti, and red egg flan with ramburan vinaigrette for the leaders' first course.

The dinner guests will be entertained by Filipino talents such as Charice, Jessica Sanchez, and El Gamma Penumbra.   — Trisha Macas/BM, GMA News