MANILA, Philippines – President-elect Rodrigo Duterte is keeping it simple for his inauguration ceremony on June 30. 

It will be held inside the Rizal Ceremonial Hall of the Malacañang Palace, where only about 500 people will be allowed to enter. 

The guest list will consist of members of Congress, the judiciary, the diplomatic corps, as well as Duterte’s family and friends. 

What’s on the menu? Maruya (banana fritters) and buko juice.

“Finger foods [will be served] pero ‘yung maruya ‘yung pinaka-main dish dun. Finger foods, cocktails, at ‘yung cocktails naman, ‘yung inumin ay, if I’m not mistaken, ay buko juice,” incoming Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar told reporters on Wednesday evening, June 15. (READ: Duterte meets with Cabinet appointees in Manila)

(Finger foods will be served but the main dish will be banana fritters. There will be finger foods and cocktails, but if I’m not mistaken, the drink will be buko juice.) 

This is consistent with a previous statement from Duterte’s transition team, who said the incoming president’s inaguration ceremony will be “frugal.” 

Andanar said he is also assisting Davao City Administrator Jesus Melchor Quitain in drafting Duterte’s inaugural speech, though they have to finalize the language that the 16th President of the Philippines will use in his first address to the nation.  

Outgoing President Benigno Aquino III and former president Joseph Estrada delivered their inaugural addresses in Filipino. English was the language of choice of other chief executives.

Vice President-elect Leni Robredo and her guests, however, will not be part of the event. The Duterte camp said a separate inauguration would favor Robredo as she would be able to invite more guests. – Rappler.com