IN PHOTOS: Behind the scenes of the APEC Summit

MANILA, Philippines—”For all these successes, I thank all those who worked tirelessly to make this event possible. Most importantly, I am grateful to our countrymen who have expressed their support for our hosting,” President Benigno Aquino III said in a press briefing after concluding the week-long Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit.

Aquino didn’t elaborate who those people and sectors are, but Rappler had the opportunity to take a look at those at the base of the Summit.

It was convenient for everyone involved in the hosting of the APEC Summit, those assigned to hotels and other working centers because of food – an all-day buffet of breakfast, lunch, dinner, including snacks.

Staff could only be thankful for a week-long serving of free food. 

Even the 28,000-strong police force securing the streets and APEC venues got their own share of perks, notwithstanding social media bashing.

But for every convenience there’s always bound to be some inconvenience.

Commuting was a breeze for everyone involved in the Summit. They were privileged enough to go through the 10-minute express lane leading to the various APEC drop-off and pick-up locations. All that for free, complete with shuttle busses and vans.

For the daily wage earners, protesters, and those not in any way involved in the meeting of 21 leaders, APEC was hell.

Early morning each day outside the meeting rooms and convention centers, there was always chaos in the information area inside the International Media Center. Sudden change in advisories caused inconvenience to both volunteers and media workers.

The President’s speech was ignored by people who gathered outside a briefing room where Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was having his own press conference.

“All my fellow leaders heaped praise on how our people have welcomed them, and their words really made me swell up with pride,” Aquino said. –Rappler.com