Durian, maruya for Rody inaugural

MANILA, Philippines – True to his promise of change, Rodrigo Duterte specified only adobo, durian and maruya (banana fritters) for inclusion in the menu for his inauguration as the country’s 16th president on Thursday.

Instead of wine, guests will be served coconut juice.

The inaugural  will be simple and will not be held at the traditional venue, the Quirino Grandstand in Manila’s Rizal Park.

Dispensing with highly paid couturiers and stylists, Duterte will wear a barong Tagalog made in his home turf and corduroy slacks during his inauguration at Malacañang’s Rizal Hall. 

Davao designers are preparing six barongs made of piña or pineapple fiber for Duterte. The designs have no embellish, reflecting the Davao City mayor’s personality.   

In a statement, incoming Presidential Communications Office secretary Martin Andanar said the menu would also be simple. Instead of wine, the guests would be served buko (young coconut) juice. 

Andanar, in an earlier interview, said the guest list has reached 627. 

After the inauguration, Duterte will hold a modest “diplomatic reception,” which is expected to be a stark contrast to the lavish traditional vin d’honneur hosted at the Palace for the members of the diplomatic corps.

Historical streaming at FB

Another historic event in Duterte’s inauguration will be the live streaming of the gathering via the popular social media platform Facebook. 

After meeting with Facebook Asia Pacific executives, Andanar said Duterte is poised to become the very first president in Asia whose inauguration will be broadcast through the world’s largest social network. 

“We talked about how Facebook can help us technically in streaming the entire inauguration. We also talked about how important this is for the Filipino people,” Andanar said. 

Aside from live streaming, nine national broadcasting companies will cover the inauguration inside the palace grounds. Other media members may monitor the event inside the New Executive Building press briefing room where big screens will be provided. 

Andanar said the modest preparations were in respect to the wishes of Duterte, who is also known for his simplicity and who vowed to do away with lavish and fancy celebrations using the people’s money.