UN Journal Kayla Lee |  President Lee Jae Myung and First Lady Kim Hye Kyung attended a state banquet hosted by Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. at Malacañang Palace in Manila on the evening of March 3, as part of President Lee's ongoing state visit to the Philippines.

In his dinner remarks, President Marcos noted that the two leaders had agreed to fully realize the potential of the Korea-Philippines Free Trade Agreement for the benefit of both peoples. He also highlighted areas of cooperation including investment in the Philippines' military modernization, coast guard capacity building, and shipbuilding industry revitalization, as well as collaboration to strengthen both countries' positions in the global semiconductor supply chain.

President Marcos added that the two sides had agreed on the need to defend the international order more resolutely and consistently in the face of growing global uncertainty, and expressed hope that the multiple MOUs signed that day would further strengthen the strategic partnership between Korea and the Philippines.

He concluded his remarks with a toast wishing President Lee and First Lady Kim good health and enduring success, and expressing hopes for lasting friendship and prosperity between the two nations.

In his own dinner address, President Lee noted that "77 years ago today marks the beginning of a meaningful history of friendship, solidarity, and partnership between the Republic of Korea and the Philippines," expressing gratitude for the Philippines' support at key moments in Korea's development. He credited that partnership as part of what has allowed Korea to emerge as a "globally responsible middle power."

President Lee emphasized Korea's participation in infrastructure cooperation linking the Philippines' more than 7,000 islands and their people's diverse aspirations, and pledged close collaboration so that vessels built in the Philippines can sail the world, driving shared growth in both countries' shipbuilding industries.

He also expressed strong support for the Philippines' ASEAN chairmanship, underscoring the two nations' commitment to "Navigating Our Future, Together."

The summit was timed to coincide with March 3, the 77th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Korea and the Philippines. In recognition of the occasion, the Philippine side symbolically arranged three banana trees on each side of the banquet hall to represent growth, partnership, and continuity. The head table was adorned with garlands carefully crafted from 33 and 77 blossoms of the sampaguita, the Philippine national flower, as a wish for friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

The evening also featured vibrant cultural performances and fireworks as the Philippines extended its highest hospitality to the Korean President and First Lady.

The banquet menu showcased a selection of Philippine cuisine, including Chicken Inasal (charcoal-grilled smoked chicken), Adobong Baka (a traditional braised short rib dish from the Luzon region), Ginataang Lapu-Lapu (a Philippine seafood dish), and Asin sa Buyo Caramel (a dessert balancing sweet and salty flavors).

The cultural program that followed featured folk performances from across the Philippines, including from the Mindanao and Pangasinan regions. The evening also included a musical performance of songs by Sandara Park of 2NE1, the K-pop group that launched its career in the Philippines to great acclaim.

Prior to the banquet, during the gift exchange ceremony, President Lee presented President Marcos with a golden model of Korea’s famed ironclad Turtle Ship that allowed the Joseon Dynasty to repel Japanese invasions from 1592 to 1598. The ship is a symbol of Korea's long shipbuilding history and technological prowess and was meant as an expression of hope for the two countries’ close cooperation in the shipbuilding sector.