Malacañang is elated that President Duterte appeared in a cameo role in the latest episode of American hit animated sitcom “The Simpsons” titled “Mueller meets Trump” last Thursday.
Duterte was featured in the cartoon version of the iconic, yet awkward Association of Southeast Asian Nations handshake between Duterte and US President Donald Trump.
A framed photo of the traditional ASEAN handshake is seen hanging on the wall just behind the couch were the cartoon version of Trump was sitting on.
According to Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar, who admitted to be a fan of The Simpsons, Duterte’s very short appearance in the 28-year-old sitcom shows that the President is recognized all over the world.
“The fact na si President Duterte iyong sinama eh ibig sabihin ibang klase ang dating ni Presidente Duterte sa artist na iyon na lumikha ng larawan na iyon,” Andanar said.
“So of course, we are happy na ginawa iyon nila dahil nagpapakita lamang na naging successful tayo sa hosting ng ASEAN,” he added.
Andanar said that even if the episode titled “Mueller Meets Trump” only featured the awkward handshake, it still shows that the ASEAN has made its marks to people across the globe.
“Iyong litrato na iyan naging iconic picture iyan ng mga world leaders, kasama iyong ASEAN leaders noong ASEAN at ito nakatatak na talaga sa tao,” he said.
“The fact that, isang cartoon artist ng Simpsons ang nagkaroon ng creative idea na i-drawing iyon ibig sabihin tumatak talaga iyong ASEAN.” (Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos)
