In the heart of ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, a new artwork now stands quietly and meaningfully among symbols of regional cooperation.
It is not just a sculpture, but a story carved in stone, steel, and glass — one that reflects shared histories, aspirations, and the enduring ties among Southeast Asian nations.
On April 22, the Philippines formally unveiled and donated “Vitality,” a commemorative piece by acclaimed Filipino artist Impy Pilapil, as part of its activities for its ASEAN Chairship in 2026.
Created especially for the Chairship theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together,” the sculpture blends Romblon marble, steel, and glass — materials that mirror both strength and transparency. Its flowing form draws inspiration from the seas that connect ASEAN countries, turning geography into metaphor.
For Pilapil, the work is deeply symbolic. It is not merely an object to admire, but a tribute to “ASEAN’s lasting bonds, nurturing unity, growth, and shared aspirations for a brighter future.”
There is something distinctly Filipino about the piece, too. The use of Romblon marble, long prized for its fine quality, grounds the sculpture in Philippine identity, even as its design reaches outward to the region.
During the unveiling, Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro underscored how the artwork reflects the country’s vision for its leadership year.
She noted that the sculpture expresses the Philippines’ aspirations for its Chairship, while capturing ASEAN’s cultural richness “from multiple perspectives.” More than that, it stands as a visual reminder of what binds the region together: “a community grounded in cooperation, shared values, and a common vision of enduring peace, stability and prosperity.”
Placed within the ASEAN Gallery, the piece becomes part of the institution’s permanent collection, quietly witnessing future dialogues, decisions, and milestones.
The unveiling also served as a moment of connection beyond ceremony. Lazaro met with Kao Kim Hourn to discuss preparations for the upcoming ASEAN Summit and other regional initiatives.
Yet, amid policy discussions and diplomatic schedules, “Vitality” offers a pause, a reflection, a reminder.
Because sometimes, the most powerful statements in diplomacy are not spoken in speeches or written in agreements. They are carved, shaped, and left behind, inviting every passerby to see themselves in a shared future.