This year’s tournament went beyond the celebration of sport. It served as a powerful expression of solidarity and social responsibility, with all proceeds supporting charitable programs and urgent response efforts for natural disasters, ensuring timely assistance for vulnerable communities.

The event’s significance is further highlighted by Malaysia’s recent conclusion of its 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship, a period focused on advancing inclusion, sustainability, and community-building across Southeast Asia, and by the formal handover of the Chairmanship to the Philippines in October 2025—a milestone that underscores Malaysia’s enduring commitment to ASEAN and its partnership with the Philippines. This spirit of cooperation was clearly reflected in the tournament, fostering goodwill and deepening people-to-people ties between the two neighboring nations.

Golf enthusiasts from the Philippines, Malaysia, across ASEAN, and beyond joined the tournament, reinforcing the potential of golf and tourism in the region. The organizing team was honored by overwhelming support from the business, government, diplomatic, and media communities. A total of 63 sponsors contributed to the event—a significant increase from last year—while 288 players participated, reflecting widespread belief in the mission of the Malaysia Friendship Open.

Thanks to this collective support, the Malaysia Friendship Open Golf 2025 not only achieved its fundraising goals but also strengthened the sense of community, goodwill, and shared purpose that defines this annual gathering.

The organizers extend heartfelt appreciation to all sponsors, participants, and partners for making this year’s event truly meaningful. Together, they continue to build bridges, strengthen friendships, and make a positive difference in the lives of others.

The ASEAN-Malaysia Fun Run 2025 is one of the Embassy’s lined up activities for this year in conjunction with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship. Through the fun run, the Embassy hopes to raise awareness of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), its purpose and its goals, especially since the Philippines is poised to chair the regional block in 2026. 

In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino stressed that, “We want the ASEAN community to be more than just an idea heard in summits or read in newspapers. We want ASEAN to be felt—on the streets, in schools, in homes, and in hearts. That is why the ASEAN-Malaysia Fun Run 2025 is so important. Through this event, we bring ASEAN closer to the people, reminding all of us that we are part of something bigger—a region rich in culture, diversity, and shared aspirations.”

Gracing the event and participating in the run were Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Asian and Pacific Affairs Evangeline Ong-Jimenez Ducrocq, Brunei Ambassador H.E. Megawati Manan, Cambodia Ambassador H.E. Sin Saream, Vietnam Ambassador H.E. Lai Thai Binh, Myanmar Chargé d’affaires Soe Ko Ko and Makati City Head of International Relations, Ms. Ichi Yabut. Officers of the Embassies of ASEAN member-states were also present, signifying strong camaraderie among the embassies and ASEAN members. 

The fun run was participated by hundreds of individuals who came from different walks of life – reflecting the true essence of ASEAN’s unity in diversity. Through the assistance of Just Show Up Running Club, which led the warm-up and served as pacers, participants had a safe and enjoyable fun run experience. After finishing a 5.33km run, the participants were treated to refreshments. Runners Christian Orbillo, Jethro Jade Duerme, and Niel Riana were the first finishers, who completed the run in less than 30 minutes.

(In photo from left, Ambassador Castelino leads the blood donation held in his residence in Makati)

Joining the celebration are the officers of the Embassy and their families, the locally recruited staff and their families, and Malaysian diaspora in the Philippines. Also gracing the event are members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, and heads of Malaysian companies in the Philippines. Guests were all dressed up in colorful Deepavali and Christmas costumes. They were treated to a sumptuous meal of varied dishes; butter rice, roasted chicken, lamb curry, vegetarian dhal curry, vegetarian samosa, and fruits.

Among the programs were the traditional exchanging of gifts, and best costume competition. The Embassy also collaborated with the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Centre, Manila to organize a blood donation drive during the event, as part of its CSR project, to give back to the local community. A total of 25 guests donated their blood to this noble cause.

The joint Deepavali and Christmas celebrations organized by the Embassy showcased Malaysia’s respect for all religions and unity as they celebrate these special celebrations as one nation. It also signifies Malaysia’s commitment to building a society of peace, harmony, thriving, and peace, in line with the concept of Masyarakat Malaysia Madani.

Highlighting the importance of media, the ambassador emphasized its role as a vital conduit between people and the country, as well as its ability to shape opinions and disseminate information. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by media personalities, recognizing their immeasurable contributions.

“I always value my relationship with the media together with the embassy because I always feel that media is a very important conduit between people and the country… I have a wide range of friends in the media,” said Amb. Castelino.

“I think your role, especially in the Philippines is very important because you communicate, you educate and disseminate at the same time you also create opinions of the countries and of course, around the world,” he added.

He also underscored the strong cultural and traditional similarities between Malaysia and the Philippines. He explained that Malaysia’s foreign policies are influenced by its strategic location in Southeast Asia, its status as a trading nation, and its unique demographic composition.

Amb. Castelino mused at how bilateral relations between Malaysia and the Philippines date back to 1959, covering various fields such as education, culture, defense, health, trade, and agriculture.

He said Malaysia considers the Philippines an important trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching nearly $8 billion, making it Malaysia’s largest trading partner globally and the fifth largest among ASEAN countries.

Amb. Castelino expressed confidence in the strong foundation of the existing relationship, paving the way for more active and meaningful economic collaborations. He emphasized the potential for closer cooperation in the Halal industry and digital economy such as tech and innovation, which would bring significant benefits to both nations.

The luncheon served as an opportunity for the media to gain insight into the embassy’s plans and foster closer ties between Malaysia and the Philippines in various sectors.

The event also reflected the new ambassador to Manila’s commitment to nurturing relationships with the media and his enthusiasm for further collaboration between the two countries.