Press Release No. 096-2012

6 June 2012

The passion for music once again made the Philippines proud by winning the 2012 championship trophy in the female category during the singing contest held on 10 May 2012 sponsored by the ASEAN Riyadh Sports and Social Committee (ARSSC) .

The contest, hosted by the Indonesian Mission in Riyadh, is part of the year long activities of ARSSC, where the eight (8) ASEAN-member countries in Riyadh participate every year.

Mrs. Mae I. Galvez, spouse of the Embassy’s Attache Emmanuel Galvez, beat her counterparts by her rendition of “One Moment in Time” popularized by the legendary singing icon Whitney Houston.   Ms. Galvez’ rendition received a standing ovation from several board of judges.   Singers from Brunei and Indonesia placed 2nd and 3rd.

In the male category, Thailand got first place, followed by Indonesia and Brunei in 2nd and 3rd respectively.   The Embassy’s own Third Secretary and Vice Consul Redentor Genotiva also participated in the contest.

There are eight ASEAN Embassies in Riyadh, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

The ASEAN hold activities and meetings within the framework of the ASEAN Committee in Riyadh (ARC) composed of the heads of missions, the ASEAN Women’s Circle (AWC) composed of spouses and ladies of the Embassies, and the ASEAN Riyadh Social and Sports Committee.

In past years, ASEAN missions in Riyadh held an annual bazaar and cultural festival to promote their products and cultures. ASEAN missions are planning to hold a travel and trade fair to promote ASEAN as a tourism destination and trading partner of the Kingdom.