28 February 2014 – Staff and spouses of the Philippine Mission to ASEAN joined the ASEAN Women’s Circle (AWC) in celebrating the successful tenure of its President and the transition of the AWC under the supervision and leadership of its new President. Madame Sabai Win, spouse of the Permanent Representative of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to ASEAN succeeded Madame Datin Rusnah Ismail, spouse of the Permanent Representative of Malaysia to ASEAN as the new President of the AWC.

The AWC “Installation 2014” formal handover ceremony was graced by Madame Sranya Natalegawa, spouse of the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Indonesia, Madame Veronica Basuki Cahaya Purnama, spouse of the Vice Governor of Jakarta, H.E. Maria Rosario C. Aguinaldo, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to Indonesia, as well as officials and guests from the Permanent Missions to ASEAN.

During the ceremony, a fashion show was held to showcase traditional costumes and dress from the ASEAN region, followed by a dance performance participated in by lady representatives from all ten ASEAN Member States.

Ms. Anna Liza V. Arzadon, FSSE II, Administrative Assistant and Attaché of the Philippine Permanent Mission, represented the Philippines in the AWC Fashion show, wearing the traditional Filipiniana Terno, while Ms. Carina B. Gaurana, daughter of Philippine Permanent Representative Elizabeth P. Buensuceso and Ms. Bernadette L. Aro, wife of First Secretary Christopher Aro, participated in the dance performance.

The AWC is a social organization, whose members consist of women from ASEAN countries living in Jakarta. It aims to strengthen regional solidarity as well as promote cooperation among their members through various social and cultural activities. The Executive Board of the AWC consists of the spouses of the Permanent Representative to ASEAN and the spouses of ASEAN Ambassadors to Indonesia. - END