PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte sang his favorite Filipino song “upon the orders” of US President Donald Trump during the gala dinner in honor of leaders of the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations Sunday.
In a tweet posted by Public Works Undersecretary Karen Jimeno, the President was seen singing the popular love song “Ikaw” with “Asia’s Queen of Songs,” Pilita Corrales.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I sang uninvited a duet with Ms. Pilita Corrales upon the orders of the commander-in-chief of the United States,” Duterte said, as he ended his number.
On Sunday, Duterte hosted Trump and other leaders at a flashy dinner at SMX Convention Center in Pasay City Sunday, ahead of the official start of the 31st Asean Summit.
However, at some point into the banquet, Duterte, seated next to Trump in his formal Barong Tagalog, suddenly stood up and startled his guests with a vocal performance.
In a news briefing, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said Trump revealed that he made Duterte sing after hearing him humming the song during the gala dinner hosted by the President.
In his remarks during the bilateral talks between Manila and Washington Monday, Trump said that he enjoyed the festive dinner and performances.
“We very much appreciate the great treatment you have given us. I thought last night’s event was fantastic, tremendous talent. Most of them I guess from the Philippines. But tremendous talent. Musical talent, dance talent and we really had a tremendous time, all of the leaders,” Trump said.
“I think on behalf of everybody, I want to thank you and I want to thank the Philippines. Thank you very much,” he added.
