The Philippine Consulate General in Xiamen successfully launched the photo-painting-calligraphy exhibit on “The Beauty of Fujian” at the DFA Main Lobby on 30 May 2017 which forms part of the Philippine-Fujian Week, a pioneering initiative of the Consulate General’s economic and cultural diplomacy program for 2017 and beyond. This initiative seeks to further enhance friendship, understanding and cooperation between the Philippines and Fujian on one hand, and on the other between the Philippines and China.
OUIER Undersecretary Manuel Antonio J. Teehankee (representing SFA Alan Peter S. Cayetano), Ambassador Jose Santiago L. Sta. Romana, Deputy Chief of Mission Ms. He Xiang Qi, and the undersigned led the ribbon-cutting ceremony assisted by Congressman John Marvin C. Nieto, Special Envoys to China Mr. Carlos Chan and Mr. William Lima, Presidential Economic Adviser Michael Yang; Mr. James Dy, Philippine Charitable Association; Mr. Ko Beng Sun, Secretary General of Philippine-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., and Mr. Jaime Co of the Philippine-China Cooperation and Exchanges Society.
Secretary Cayetano, whose message was read by Usec. Teehankee, commended the Consulate General for “its timely and meaningful undertaking that catalyzes the deep and warm friendship and cooperation” between the Philippines and Fujian. The Secretary also underscored the importance attached by the Philippines to Fujian as a melting pot of cultures, a strategic hub for transport, trade and logistics and as an economic and financial powerhouse in Southern China, notwithstanding as a major investment and trade partner of the Philippines.
Consul General Flores in brief remarks, cited the Consulate General’s role as both architect (implementor) and engineer (builder) of foreign relations, taking bold and positive steps to nurture and enhance friendship, understanding and cooperation with our neighbors and partners, particularly Fujian province. He cited various highlights of the work undertaken by the Consulate General since 2014 to the present, particularly those under its cultural and economic diplomacy thrusts. The Exhibit’s featured artists, Foto-Grupo and Mr. Bai Lei were handed Certificates of Appreciation from Consul General Flores.
The event was highlighted by a calligraphy art demonstration of Mr. Bai Lei. The performance was well appreciated by the guests. Mr. Lei gifted the special guests with his calligraphy works.
Earlier during the program “The Nightingales”, a world-class Filipino duet, serenaded the guests with a medley of Filipino and Chinese songs.
The photo collection earlier debuted in an exhibition in Xiamen last March in a shopping mall. The Consulate General intends to tour the photo collection in the Philippines as well as in Fujian in 2017 and beyond.
Various media outfits covered the event including Chinatown TV and PTV 4 while Philippine Star featured the Philippine-Fujian Week (31 May 2017 issue, p. B-11).
The Philippine-Fujian Week in Manila was highlighted with the launching of the Photo-Painting-Calligraphy Exhibit at the DFA on 30 May 2017 and the Fujian Food Festival at the Century Park Hotel on 01 June 2017. END
