First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos is taking a hands-on role in preparations for the Philippines’ hosting of the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Meetings in Cebu province.

In a series of Facebook posts on Thursday, Araneta-Marcos shared updates on the country’s preparations for the regional gathering, including venue inspections and menu tastings.

On Wednesday, the First Lady visited the Ocean Pavilion at Shangri-La Mactan, one of the venues for the summit.

“Spent the day going through the final details as we get ready to welcome our ASEAN neighbors. From the setup to the little touches and overall atmosphere, everything is being carefully prepared to make the summit feel warm, meaningful and proudly Filipino,” she said.

Araneta-Marcos also joined the menu tasting for the luncheon that will be hosted for the spouses of ASEAN leaders.

“It was wonderful to see Filipino flavors alongside dishes inspired by different ASEAN cultures — a beautiful reminder that food has a special way of bringing people together around one table,” she said.

Also on Wednesday, Araneta-Marcos conducted a final walkthrough at the Mactan Expo, checking the venue setup and cultural performances prepared for the upcoming event.

She expressed gratitude to organizers, staff, performers, and volunteers for their contributions.

“Very grateful to everyone who worked tirelessly behind the scenes — the organizers, staff, performers and volunteers — whose hard work and heart made all of this possible,” the First Lady added.

On Tuesday, Araneta-Marcos attended a menu tasting at Cowrie Cove in Shangri-La Mactan, where dinner will be served for Southeast Asian leaders.

She said the dishes highlight Cebu’s local flavors and fresh produce from farmers and fisherfolk.

She expressed her excitement to share the Filipino warmth and hospitality with the guests “very soon.”

“Looking forward to sharing a warm Filipino dining experience with our ASEAN neighbors very soon,” she said.

Araneta-Marcos said preparations have been carefully arranged, from the venue layout to the movement of delegations.

The 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit will officially commence on Friday, with an opening ceremony at the newly constructed Mactan Expo located within Mactan Newtown in Lapu-Lapu City.

Leaders will hold meetings and a working lunch at the Mactan Expo before proceeding to Shangri-La Mactan for the Retreat Session.

The First Couple will also host a gala dinner to conclude the summit. (PNA)