Asean, oh Asean

It was a touching and fitting tribute that looked back to its beginning while also celebrating a new generation of achievers in biodiversity, rice science and youth social entrepreneurship in the region. At the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) last Tuesday at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City, the foreign ministers of the ten member-states and dialogue partners and a packed house were treated to a program that “merged the traditional with the contemporary, the classical with the modern and the old with the new,” embodying the dynamism of the region.

Combining music and dance and modern technology in the form of next generation LED wall screens that served as changing backdrops for the stage, a spirited contemporary dance (“Siyudad” or Urban Frenzy) showed the urban landscape of developing member-states. Taking note of the half-century milestone, “Nangangalahati” (halfway) or “Progressing Still@50” highlighted the role of women and equal opportunity for all that has characterized ASEAN’s 50-year journey.

A big production number “A Dynamic ASEAN” fittingly had a medley of dance styles, from folk to hip hop to dancesport to contemporary and cheer. Even the foreign ministers had a role in this number, as bales of white cloth were unfurled from upstage, down to the auditorium floor and held by the ten ministers, simulating the ASEAN logo of ten rice stalks. 

It was also a tribute to the founding fathers of the ASEAN, the five officials who signed what came to be called the ASEAN Declaration in Bangkok on Aug. 8, 1967. They were Deputy Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak of Malaysia, Foreign Ministers Adam Malik of Indonesia, S. Rajaratnam of Singapore, Thanat Khoman of Thailand and Narciso Ramos of the Philippines. Photographs of the historic event were flashed on the large screens, and descendants and representatives of the five spoke about the importance and impact of that singular event.

The ASEAN has since grown to ten members with the inclusion of Brunei Darussalam in 1984, Vietnam in 1995, Laos and Myanmar in 1997 and Cambodia in 1999.

By decree of the President, the Philippine government conferred on the five the Order of Lakandula, with the rank of Supremo. Their descendants and representatives went up on stage to receive plaques of recognition. Not surprisingly, widely cheered was the son of Narciso Ramos, former president Fidel Ramos who, at 89 and though a little wobbly on his feet, was his usual effervescent and mischievous self, giving a snappy salute to the President when he went up on stage. Accompanied by former first lady Amelita “Ming” Ramos – who told me she was still with the International School, a job she’s held for as long as I can remember – the former president was mobbed like a rock star, obliging for endless selfies and group-fies and, being the general that he will always be, directing where everyone should stand, under what light and how they should pose.

Without doubt, celebrating its half century milestone was a proud moment for all, to be not just Filipino, but ASEAN.