19 December 2013 - Following up on his commitment to boost relations between the Philippines and Xiamen and in the spirit of Christmas gift-giving, Consul General Julius Caesar A. Flores presented Director General Hong Chengzong of the Xiamen Municipal Foreign Affairs Office (FAO) a traditional Parul Sampernandu from the City of San Fernando, Pampanga on December 04.

DG Hong reacted with much enthusiasm and appreciation to the Consul General’s gift to FAO and the two discussed the Philippines’ participation in the 2014 Xiamen Lantern Festival.  The Consulate General in Xiamen is currently undertaking preparations in conjunction with the City of San Fernando, including bringing in a 20-foot electrically-lighted Giant Parul to highlight the Philippines’ long and rich tradition of displaying the lighted star-shaped lantern as an enduring symbol of Christmas, which is the most important cultural and religious holiday for Filipinos and Christians the world over.

DG Hong promised to extend all possible assistance to the fulfillment of the mandates of the Consulate including its collaborative undertakings and thanked the Consul General for his proactive approach to further the cultivation of Philippines-Xiamen relations.  END