Taguig City welcomed international attention as Hollywood actress and humanitarian Angelina Jolie and award-winning Filipino performer Lea Salonga took part in the second ASEAN Mastercard Inclusive Growth Summit at Shangri-La. The gathering brought together business leaders, government officials, and foreign dignitaries to discuss ways to build a more inclusive and connected regional economy. With internationally recognized personalities and influential leaders in attendance, the summit highlighted Taguig’s role as a venue for important regional conversations on business, culture, and development.
Angelina Jolie Brings Global Attention to Inclusive Growth
Angelina Jolie headlined the summit, bringing her international profile and humanitarian experience to discussions about building a more inclusive economy in Southeast Asia. Known for her work in film and humanitarian initiatives, Jolie has also maintained longstanding connections to Cambodia, where she established the Maddox Foundation in 2003. The foundation supports local communities through environmental and educational programs.
Her participation added an international perspective to the gathering, which focused on bringing different sectors together to discuss opportunities for regional progress. The presence of global personalities also placed Taguig in the spotlight as a meeting point for conversations involving international business, public service, and social development.
Lea Salonga Highlights the Value of Filipino Talent
Filipino singer and actress Lea Salonga also became part of the event, performing for summit delegates and sharing her insights about the creative industry. As artificial intelligence continues to influence different fields, Salonga emphasized the importance of human performers and the genuine emotions that live theater and music bring to audiences.
She also offered advice to aspiring artists, reminding them that pursuing a career in the arts requires dedication, discipline, and hard work. Her participation highlighted the continuing contribution of Filipino talent to international cultural conversations and demonstrated the importance of creativity in an increasingly technology-driven world.
Leaders Discuss Investment and ASEAN's Economic Future
Beyond its high-profile guests, the summit served as a platform for discussions on investment, economic cooperation, and regional development. Trade Secretary Cristina Roque highlighted the Philippines' openness to foreign investment and discussed the country's efforts to strengthen international trade partnerships. The Philippines is also set to sign the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement during its ASEAN chairship, an initiative intended to support cross-border digital transactions and strengthen economic integration.
