LOOK: International Media Center for 49th ASEAN Summit

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The International Media Center (IMC) has officially opened on Friday, welcoming local and international media personnel who will cover the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.

Presidential Communications Office Secretary Lino Cayetano said the IMC will serve as a "window into our beautiful country."

"We invite you (media personnel) to see our beautiful places through our beautiful places through our booths, to see our beautiful products, industries and to get the chance to get to know our most special and beautiful asset, the Filipino people," Cayetano said in his speech.

"This place was built for you so you can do your jobs... and to do it comfortably," he added.

The International Media Center in Pasay City officiallly opens on Friday. It will house local and international media personnel who will cover the 49th ASEAN Summit from Nov. 15-17, 2026. |Mariel Celine Serquiña @gmanews https://t.co/cPTEGD3Ar6

— Celine (@celine_serquina) November 13, 2026

"We hope our media partners will make the most of what our International Media Center has to offfer, including workspace, technology, connectivity, support services, and the amenities," said Hellen de la Vega, ASEAN 2026 National Organizing Council (NOC

The center features a media hall, briefing rooms and an audio recording booth.

It also has a health and wellness station, the Philippine Beverage Station, the Philippine Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Hub, and the Regional Gastronomy Hub.

Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said the the Regional Gastronomy Hub showcases food from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao curated by Michelinrecognized chefs.

Among them are Chef Miggy Moreno, a two-time Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee, and Chef Francis Lacson, a former seafarer and recipient of the MICHELIN Guide 2027 Young Chef Award.

During her speech, Angara-Mathay said the NOC aims to help ASEAN achieve "substantive agreements and practical repsonses to the challenges confronting the region."

"Hindi lang tayo nagtipon para mag-usap. We are here to strenghten coopration and find common ground on issues that affect our region," said Angara-Mathay, who also serves as vice chair for operations of the ASEAN NOC. —VAL, GMA News