Marcos invites Jessica Sanchez to ASEAN summit

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has invited Jessica Sanchez, the grand winner of America’s Got Talent 2025, to perform at the upcoming ASEAN Summit hosted by the Philippines. This comes as world leaders expect high-level performances from the country. Sanchez paid a courtesy call on Marcos ahead of her New Year’s Eve performance.

In Manila, President Marcos expressed admiration for 30-year-old Jessica Sanchez following her victory on America’s Got Talent 2025. “You made us all very, very proud. The problem is with ASEAN, they expect now a high level of performers and of musicality. We got the best,” Marcos told Sanchez. Sanchez expressed her appreciation to the president and First Lady Liza Marcos for the meeting. Their discussion covered Filipino culture and cuisine, as well as Sanchez’s upcoming album and future projects. In jest, Marcos offered to volunteer as her manager, while the first lady suggested she explore more provinces during her stay. In an interview at Malacañang, Sanchez said she is excited to participate in the ASEAN hosting in May. This marks her first major performance in the Philippines since winning the competition and her first homecoming concert afterward. The event is part of “The Grand Countdown to 2026” hosted by Newport World Resorts at the Manila Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay.

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Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, discussing South China Sea code and signaling invitation to Xi Jinping.
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Marcos signals Xi invitation if South China Sea code advances

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During the ASEAN and East Asia summits in Kuala Lumpur, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. criticized China's actions in the South China Sea while expressing optimism about finalizing a Code of Conduct and inviting Chinese President Xi Jinping to Manila in 2026. This approach highlights the Philippines' dual strategy of asserting sovereignty and seeking diplomatic progress as it assumes the ASEAN chairmanship. Concerns arise that prioritizing the code could lead to concessions amid ongoing tensions.

The Philippines officially assumed the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on October 28, 2025, at the close of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. received the handover from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, setting the stage for Manila to host key meetings in 2026. Marcos expressed hopes to invite Chinese President Xi Jinping to Manila if South China Sea code of conduct talks conclude successfully by then.

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The Philippines is set to host the ASEAN Summits in 2026, with private sector leader Joey Concepcion III viewing it as a chance to demonstrate the country's readiness for international business amid recent corruption issues.

President Lee Jae Myung visited Japan for a summit with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, emphasizing cultural ties during a tour of Horyuji Temple in Nara. The leaders shared an impromptu drum performance and exchanged gifts symbolizing friendship.

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The Association of Southeast Asian Nations has recognized the growing potential of cruise tourism to attract more foreign travelers to the region's destinations. A joint statement from the 29th Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers encouraged continued cooperation to enhance port connectivity and other aspects. In 2025, the Philippines welcomed 6,484,060 foreign visitors, including 53,927 who arrived by sea.

Presidents Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Donald Trump are set to meet on Sunday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, at the Asean summit, to discuss US-imposed tariffs on Brazil. The meeting's organization involved Brazilian businessmen and diplomats, amid fears of American unpredictability. Lula expresses optimism for a solution without prior demands.

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Amid ASEAN challenges, Philippine democracy remains resilient after years of authoritarianism. Despite corruption issues and political tensions, it shows vitality through public protests and independent governance. However, concerns persist about the future with potential return of dictators.

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