Piano Concert in Guangzhou Marks Philippine Independence, PH-China Ties
World-renowned Filipino pianist Dr. Raul M. Sunico’s performance. (Guangzhou PCG photo)
GUANGZHOU 24 June 2025 — A celebration of musical brilliance and enduring friendship took center stage at the Xinghai Chamber Music Hall with “Harmony of Freedom and Friendship,” a piano concert marking the 127th anniversary of Philippine independence and the 50th anniversary of Philippines–China diplomatic relations. The evening featured world-renowned Filipino pianist Dr. Raul M. Sunico and rising Chinese pianist Mr. Hao Rao, whose performances captivated over 450 guests.
Attendees included officials from Guangdong’s provincial and city foreign affairs offices, members of the consular corps, business leaders, scholars, musicians, former students of Dr. Sunico, the Filipino community — particularly those who #MadeItInChina — and local Chinese guests. Their enthusiastic response highlighted the growing appreciation for cultural diplomacy.
In his remarks, Philippine Consul General to Guangzhou Iric Cruz Arribas emphasized the shared values between Filipinos and Chinese, saying, “Filipinos and Chinese alike are warm, family-oriented, respectful of tradition, and always ready to laugh… Diplomacy is built on everyday encounters — conversations, cultural exchanges, and trust over time.”
Dr. Sunico performed a stirring 90-minute repertoire of Western, Filipino and Chinese classics such as “Bato sa Buhangin” and “Liuyang River.” Mr. Hao Rao delivered a moving interpretation of Chopin’s “Andante Spianato et Grande Polonaise Brillante,” earning enthusiastic applause. The concert proved once more that music transcends borders and deepens mutual understanding.
The piano concert in Guangzhou by Dr. Raul M. Sunico was made possible by the Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou in cooperation with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. END
Consul General Arribas delivers his message at the well-attended piano concert. “This concert celebrates 127 years of Philippine independence and 50 years of Philippines–China ties — a reminder that music, like diplomacy, brings people together in harmony”. (Guangzhou PCG photo)
The commemorative piano concert is graced by Guangdong Foreign Affairs Office Deputy Director General, Madame Qian Hongjie, and Guangzhou Foreign Affairs Office Deputy Director General, Mr. Deng Changxiong, together with a number of other officials from the provincial and city foreign affairs offices. (Guangzhou PCG photo)
Members of the consular corps of Guangzhou and local business community express their congratulations on the occasion of the 127th Philippine Independence Day. (Guangzhou PCG photo)
Representatives of foreign business chambers in Guangzhou together with the diplomatic corps, Chinese executives and entrepreneurs celebrate Kalayaan 2025. (Guangzhou PCG photo)
The Filipino community, young students of Guangzhou and friends in media celebrate 50 years of Philippine- Chinese diplomatic ties. (Guangzhou PCG photo)
Dr. Raul M. Sunico’s performance is marked with bursts of applause after every piece. (Guangzhou PCG photo)
Mr. Hao Rao’s expressive rendition of Andante Spianato et Grande Polonaise Brillante, Op. 22 by Frederic Chopin leaves the audience in awe. (Guangzhou PCG photo)
The piano concert is enthusiastically applauded by over 450 guests who filled up the Xinghai Concert Hall at full capacity. (Guangzhou PCG photo)
The officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou and Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Guangzhou pose for a group photo with their family members. (Guangzhou PCG photo)
For more information, visit https://www.guangzhoupcg.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.facebook.com/PHinGuangzhou/, https://twitter.com/PHinGuangzhou, or https://www.instagram.com/phinguangzhou/.