MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Welcome Reception for the 23rd World Economic Forum (WEF) on East Asia, held May 21 at Ayala’s headquarters in Makati, was a celebration of Filipino culture, food, and talent.
The WEF delegation, led by professor Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum, experienced Filipino hospitality at its best as they gathered in the Philippines for the first time.
Vice President Jejomar Binay welcomed the delegates, as did Ayala Corporation chairman and CEO Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala and president and COO Fernando Zobel de Ayala. More than 600 WEF delegates and guests from government, business, and the diplomatic corps attended the event.
Ayala’s Tower One and Exchange Plaza in the heart of Makati’s business and commercial district were transformed by a showcase of fine furnishings created by artisans from Manila and Cebu.
The reception program featured a spectacular video presentation on the Philippines, a fashion show of the works of some of the country’s best fashion designers, and performances by Louie Ocampo, Lani Misalucha, Thor Dulay, Steps Dance Studio, the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group, and The Brat Pack.
The Philippine welcome reception took place the night before the formal proceedings of the World Economic Forum on East Asia, which focused on the theme “Leveraging Growth for Progress.â€