The recently concluded Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting has brought about differing views from the Filipino people – some were proud of how the preparations paid off to reflect Filipino hospitality; others were furious with the extra heavy traffic caused by road blockings; some said the APEC were able to seal important deals with the other member-countries; while others claimed that we can achieve such deals even without APEC and the billion peso-worth of meeting.

Yet, amidst the clashes of strong opinions, the nation was united once again by humor. Filipinos are also known for their ability to easily find the brighter side of the worst possible scenarios. And in the middle of APEC debates, they have found the best reason to be happy – hot APEC leaders!

Since the arrival of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto in the Philippines for the APEC summit, the hashtag “#APEChottie” has trended in Twitter with more than 45 thousand tweets as of press time. Other similar hashtags “#APEChotties” and “#APECbae” have earned thousands of mentions as well.

The 43-year old Trudeau, Canada’s 2nd youngest prime minister, has just assumed his position on November 4. Sporting a tattoo, falling down the stairs, posing topless for an amateur boxing match and having a diverse cabinet, Trudeau has already earned the hearts of many around the world. Despite the issue of the garbage from Canada illegally dumped in the country, when this dashing debonair landed in Manila the Filipino people were inevitably swept off their feet.

The 49-year old Peña Nieto, on the other hand, is Mexico’s 57th president whose term started in December 2012. Public perception of Peña Nieto has not been favorable since the disappearance of 43 students. It is said that the parents of these students are highly critical of the president, hence, the allegations against him. Yet, with the combination of sharp looks and charming smile, almost everyone seemed to be more than willing to look past the controversies and just delight in his presence in the country.

Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto (left) and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (right)
during the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (Photo credit: INQUIRER.net)

Dubbed as the battle between the Canadian Bae and the Mexican Papi, the craze even made it into the cover of a major newspaper in the Philippines. International news agencies and local Mexican and Canadian newspapers noticed and spread the word as well. Online news sites asked the same question, “Are you Team Trudeau or Team Peña Nieto?”

By the end of this year’s APEC summit, the Philippines has been added in Canada’s priority list for Official Development Assistance and has received support for its Trans-Pacific Partnership inclusion. Mexico and the Philippines have also signed agreements on the avoidance of double taxation, cooperation on tourism and fight against illegal drugs.

These are very positive and vital outcomes of the meeting, yet, what might stick more to our memory is how well the two APEC baes have donned the Barong Tagalog. It has been a practice during each APEC summit for the leaders of the member-countries to wear the host country’s traditional dress. Designed by Paul Cabral, let’s take a moment to admire our national costume.

Trudeau and Peña Nieto clad in Barong Tagalog
(Photo credit: Reuters)