Pacquiao's Punch or Jeepney Juice? Manila wants to serve 'national cocktail' to Obama, APEC leaders

MANILA, Philippines - The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Advisory Council (ABAC) of the Philippines is in search of a "national cocktail" or iconic drink that may be served to world leaders in November.

Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Charles Jose said the ABAC Philippines launched the search on August 16 during the World Presidents' Organization's annual membership night in Bonifacio Global City.

"Invited CEOs (chief executive officers) and guests tried five types of rum-based cocktails and have each rated its quality based on aroma, taste and balance," Jose said in a press briefing in Malacañang.

Jose said the participants were asked to suggest a name for the cocktail that will be chosen.

Among the proposed names were Manila Thrilla, Pacquiao’s Punch, Pinoy Colada, Mango Tango, Pinoy Punch and Jeepney Juice.

Jose said he would announce the results in a later date.

The chosen drink may be served at the APEC Leaders' Summit which will be held in Metro Manila in November.

Chief executives of the 21 member economies of the APEC such as United States President Barack Obama are expected to attend the event.

Third Senior Officials' Meeting

Meanwhile, the Third APEC Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM-III) and Related Meetings will be held in Cebu from August 22 to September 6.

The event will be the last comprehensive senior officials' meeting before the APEC Leaders’ Summit in November in Manila.

Jose noted that the SOM-III will include meetings to finalize the APEC 2015 deliverables, workshops and public-private dialogues.

Some 2,000 delegates under 20 APEC working-level policy groups are expected to join the meetings.

The SOM-III will still tackle issues that centered on three core areas: strengthening regional economic integration, connectivity and innovation; advancing the APEC 2015 priorities in pursuit of inclusive growth; and shaping a post-2015 vision for the Asia Pacific.

"In particular, SOM-III agenda follows from the outcomes of SOM-II last May in Boracay, where strengthening regional economic integration and fostering the participation of micro, small and medium enterprises in global markets were at the top of the agenda," Jose said.

Senior officials will also monitor the first-year implementation of the APEC connectivity blueprint for improved physical, institutional, and people-to-people connectivity and the next steps for the Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific.

They are also expected to finalize the Philippine-led APEC services cooperation framework proposal, which aims to develop a long-term strategy to increase the region’s competitiveness in services, trade and investment.