P-Noy to attend presentation of Bolkiah's daughter

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino will attend the presentation to the royal court of Hajah Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah, daughter of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei on Sunday, Malacañang said.     

“Given that it is important to continue to strengthen our relations with fellow ASEAN countries, the President will be engaging in some informal diplomacy,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a text message yesterday. 

Malacañang has yet to release the members of the President’s party to Brunei. 

This will be Aquino’s second trip to Brunei since he made an official visit to the Sultanate in June 2011. Hafizah, 32, the fifth child of the Sultan and his wife Queen Saleha, and her groom Pengiran Haji Muhammad Ruzaini, 29, exchanged vows yesterday afternoon in front of several family members and friends, royals and international dignitaries.    

Reports said several leaders from Southeast Asian countries and foreign royalties are expected to be among the guests at the lavish royal banquet tendered in honor of the newlyweds and hosted by the bride’s father.