Gains in PH-China Relations Cited During Independence Day Reception in Beijing
Philippine Ambassador to China Jose Santiago L. Sta. Romana delivers his welcome remarks during the celebration of the 120th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence at the Grand Hyatt Hotel on 12 June 2018. (Beijing PE photo)
BEIJING 25 June 2018 — The Philippine Embassy in Beijing hosted a diplomatic reception in celebration of the 120th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence at the Grand Hyatt Hotel on 12 June 2018. Foreign Affairs Vice Minister Kong Xuanyou graced the event as Guest of Honor.
Vice Minister of the State Council Information Office Guo Weimin, Vice Minister of State Administration for Foreign Experts Affairs Zhang Jianguo, Bo'ao Forum for Asia Secretary General Li Baodong, and ASEAN-China Centre Secretary General Yang Xiuping were among the notable dignitaries who graced the national day reception.
In his remarks, Ambassador to China Jose Santiago L. Sta. Romana noted that China has become an important political and economic partner of the Philippines, and is currently the Philippines' top trading partner and second top source market for tourists. He further noted China's substantial assistance in the rebuilding of the city of Marawi in the southern Philippines.
After his remarks, Ambassador Sta. Romana invited Vice Minister Kong to the stage for a toast and cake cutting ceremony to celebrate the friendship between the two countries.
Filipino performers based in Beijing, Jennifer C. Gallardo, Jomer M. Guevarra and JC M. Mangilit entertained guests with OPM ballad and contemporary songs.
Guests enjoyed Filipino cuisine such as beef kaldereta, Filipino-style beef steak and chicken adobo, along with other Western and Chinese dishes.
The event, with an estimated total of 300 guests, was attended by officials of the Chinese Government, members of the diplomatic corps, members of the business community and the academe.
Tourism bags with brochures and flyers for the upcoming food festival in July 2018, and a Ballet Philippines show in August 2018 were given to guests as giveaways. END
For more information, visit www.beijingpe.dfa.gov.ph.
Ambassador to China Jose Santiago L. Sta. Romana (left) and Foreign Affairs Vice Minister Kong Xuanyou (right) leads the ceremonial slicing of cake during the 2018 Philippine Independence Day Diplomatic Reception in Beijing. (Beijing PE photo)
Officers and employees of the Philippine Embassy in Beijing, led by Ambassador to China Jose Santiago L. Sta. Romana, pose for a family photo at the conclusion of the Philippine Independence Day Diplomatic Reception at Grand Hyatt Hotel. (Beijing PE photo)