20 Nov 2007
The theme for the Gala Dinner was "Rice: The Spirit of ASEAN". This was chosen as a reflection of the common thread across all ASEAN cultures. This was reflected in the three main elements of the evening: the ASEAN Shirt and Blouse; the Gala Dinner Show and the Menu.
ASEAN Shirt and Blouse
Heads of State/Government were dressed in a specially-designed and commissioned ASEAN Summit Shirt or Blouse with Skirt for the 13th ASEAN Summit Gala Dinner. In line with the theme of the Gala Dinner, the garment designs were inspired by the padi stalks in the ASEAN logo, reflecting tradition, yet with a touch of modernity. The designs were conceived by Singaporean fashion designer, Mr Wykidd Song in collaboration with Mr Percy Vatsaloo, who designed the fabric. The fabric of the ASEAN Shirt and Blouse was woven by master-weavers in a village in the Korat Plateau of North-Eastern Thailand which specialises in the craft.
Gala Dinner Programme
The entertainment for the Gala Dinner was put together by Dick Lee, the artistic director for the Gala Dinner. Dick's intention for the show was to integrate Western music with Asian music, with Asian music as the base. The music was performed by the Singapore Pop Orchestra, which is a pool of multi-ethnic musicians who perform music that combines traditional, western and jazz influences which reflect the rich cultural diversity of ASEAN. The show also featured performances by Taufik Batisah, Vocaluptuous and the People's Association Talents. A specially-commissioned segment on the theme of "Rice", written by Dick Lee, was also showcased during the Gala Dinner. A detailed write-up on the Gala Dinner is at Annex A.
Menu
Rice, the connecting thread among the ASEAN countries will also feature as a staple in the evening's menu. Details of the menu can be found at Annex B.
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Annex A
Rise
"Though we're from ten different lands, we're bound by shores of common sand..."
This song is specially composed by one of Singapore's foremost talents, Dick Lee, to commemorate ASEAN's 40th Anniversary. Rise celebrates the region's spirit of togetherness with a union of song and dance.
Performed by Taufik Batisah, People's Association Dance Ensemble and
Singapore Pop Orchestra.
Memories of ASEAN
Enjoy Asia's cultural diversity in this live orchestral performance of both modern and evergreen music.
Featuring:
Nagraland by Dick Lee
Dahil Sa Iyo by Mike Verlarde
Hujan Tengah Hari by Hanim Liza
Bengawan Solo by Gesang Martohatono
China Rain by Dick Lee
Performed by Singapore Pop Orchestra.
Jazz in the City
Fast forward to the cosmopolitan present - the excitement and vibrancy of ASEAN are reflected in the elegance, harmony and energy of this contemporary jazz a cappella performance.
Featuring:
Hana by Shoukichi Kina
On a Little Street in Singapore by Peter de Rose / Billy Hill
Widuri by Broery Marantika
Ye Lai Xiang by Li Jin Guang
Let There Be Love by Lionel Rand / Ian Grant
Performed by Vocaluptuous and Singapore Pop Orchestra.
SingaPOPera
Leading the way in Singapore's cultural growth is musical theatre. This mini musical comprises a selection of colourful excerpts from Singapore's favourite musicals.
Featuring:
Fried Rice Paradise from Fried Rice Paradise
Rindu Seorang Insan from Puteri Gunung Ledang
One Step at a Time from A Twist of Fate
When All the Tears have Dried from Sing to the Dawn
Beauty World Medley from Beauty World
Music composed by Dick Lee.
Performed by Emma Yong, Robin Goh, Alemay Fernandez, Gani Abdul Karim, Denise Tan, Darren Seah, People's Association Dance Ensemble and Singapore Pop Orchestra.
Rice
Rice is a powerful symbol that binds the people of ASEAN. Unity, fertility, harvest, offering and love are expressed in this sophisticated finale.
North and South
Tinta Dewa
Rice Medley
Remember
The Rhythm of Love
Music composed by Dick Lee.
Performed by George Chan, Jeassea Thyidor, Eka Mairina, Olynn, Julia Abueva,
People's Association Dance Ensemble and Lee Pei Ming with Singapore Pop Orchestra.
Annex B
ASEAN SUMMIT GALA DINNER
Assorted Crackers
Vegetable Crackers and Keropok Belinjau
Condiments
Chilli Sambal and Sambal Heh Bee
Appetizers
Chicken and Lamb Satay
Ngoh Hiang
Soup
Chicken Soup with Water Chestnut Dumplings
Main Course
Otak-Otak
Ayam Masak Merah
Codfish Lemak
Sambal Prawn Belimbing
Sambal Mini Eggplant
Steamed Rice
**
Achar
Dessert
Selection of Fresh Fruits
Banana "Putu Tega"
Pumpkin Glutinous Rice
Lapis Sago
Kueh Dadar
Coconut Sago with Gula Melaka Ice Cream
Coffee or Tea
served with
Chocolate (Jasmine tea, Green tea, Ginger, Passion fruit)
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20 NOVEMBER 2007