Philippine Embassy Fetes 2023 Independence Day with Chinese Officials, Foreign Diplomats in Beijing
BEIJING 20 June 2023 – The Philippine Embassy in Beijing hosted a reception on 08 June 2023 in celebration of the 125th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and Nationhood with the theme “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan” (Freedom. Future. History). It gathered over 300 guests coming from the Chinese Government, the diplomatic corps, business sector, academe, media, and other groups, who all relished in an evening of warm Filipino hospitality to mark this important occasion.
In his remarks, Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime A. FlorCruz underlined the sacrifices of the country’s valiant forebears who broke the yoke of Spanish colonialism and came together to establish the Malolos Republic in 1898, which was the first of its kind in all of Asia. He highlighted how the spirit of patriotism continues to animate Filipinos towards the goal of nation-building, economic progress and enhancing relations with other nations, including China.
Ambassador FlorCruz underscored the visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to China in January 2023 where he met with President Xi Jinping to renew the two countries’ ties and bolster cooperation. He emphasized the fruition of the visit’s outcome henceforth, including the recent shipments of Philippine durian into the Chinese market, pledges made to increase trade and investment and the resumption of two-way tourism, educational and cultural visits and other people-to-people engagements.
Assistant Minister Nong Rong农融 from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China graced the event as guest of honor. He joined the Ambassador on stage to share a toast and to cut the ceremonial cake together, signifying their well wishes for the commemorative event.
Further livening up the reception was a series of cultural presentations from Filipino and Chinese musicians. Coming all the way from the Philippines, the “Lakbai Guitar Duo” and the “Nightingales” performed a medley of Filipino songs, ranging from folk to contemporary Philippine music, enthralling guests with the country’s world-class talent in performing arts. In addition, the Belt and Road Chinese Notes Ensemble “丝路华音”中华国跃古筝艺术团 gave a captivating performance with the ancient Chinese string instrument called guzheng古筝. Moreover, the three groups gave an enchanting collaborative number to pay tribute to the 48th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China, which is commemorated on 9 June annually.
These cultural presentations were made possible through the combined efforts of the Philippine Embassy, the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and other partners.
The Embassy organized other 2023 Independence Day activities, including a solemn flag-raising ceremony at its chancery on 12 June 2023. END
For more information, visit https://www.beijingpe.dfa.gov.ph.