22 August 2013 - The Philippine Consulate General in Chongqing opened the “Mirth of the Islands” photo exhibit on the Philippines at the Three Gorges Museum in Chongqing, China on August 16 as part of a series of events under the 2012-2013 Philippine-China Years of Friendly Exchanges (YFE).

The YFE was declared by Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III and then Chinese President Hu Jintao during President Aquino’s visit to China in 2011.

The exhibit features a collection of 30 photographs taken by the Pinoy Overseas Photographers (POP) Beijing, during a trip sponsored by Cebu Pacific Airways to Samar and Leyte.

The photographs reflect the sentiments, pastimes, joys and values of the Filipinos. It also highlights the cultural values shared by both Filipinos and Chinese – strong family bonds, a close-knit community and harmony with nature.

The photos not only convey the warmth and friendly spirit of the Filipinos but also show why “It’s More Fun in the Philippines.” 

In his remarks during the opening of the exhibit, Acting Head of Post and Vice Consul Duke Villanueva revisited the close cultural ties and shared values between the peoples of the Philippines and China, and indicated that the photos convey a message of friendship from the Filipino people to the Chinese people.

In attendance was Deputy Director-General Tang Wen of the Chongqing Foreign Affairs Office, Vice President of the Three Gorges Museum Liu Chunming, other officials from the local government, representatives of the cultural and travel sectors, media, and members of the Filipino community.

Many of the attendees to the photo exhibit, as well as the local and foreign tourists who visited the exhibit on its opening day, expressed their delight and fascination with the images captured and commented on the happiness and warmth the photos expressed.

The exhibit runs until August 25 and is free to the public. END