Mexico's Nieto kept his Barong Tagalog from APEC 2015

MANILA, Philippines – Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto kept his Barong Tagalog that former President Benigno Aquino III gave as a gift to leaders who attended the 2015 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation in Manila.

Philippine Ambassador Demetrio Tuason said that the Mexican leader made the remark earlier this week when he presented his credentials before Nieto.

"He remarked that he still retained his own Barong Tagalog that he received during his visit to the Philippines for APEC 2015," Tuason said.

Nieto was dubbed as one of the "APEC Hotties," along with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, when he visited the country for the leaders' summit three years ago.

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Paul Cabral, Aquino's favorite designer, made the designs of the different barong, the official national garb for Filipino men, that were given to the heads of state.

On Monday, Tuason formally presented his letter of credence, the document that authorizes diplomats to speak on behalf of their countries, to the Mexican president at the Palacio Nacional in Mexico City, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

Citing historic ties between the Philippines and Mexico, the Filipino envoy conveyed well wishes from President Rodrigo Duterte and expressed his desire to enhance ties.

In a statement issued to the press, Tuason noted the cultural and historic influence between the two countries that was rooted from the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade.

Tuason also mentioned how Mexico helped the Philippines in attaining liberation when it sent its 201st fighter squadron to join allied forces during World War Two.

"The Ambassador concluded by noting the steady growth in commercial ties between Mexico and the Philippines over the past decade, and stated that his main priority during his term would be to further strengthen the trade and investment between both countries," the DFA said.

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