16 September 2013 – The Philippine Embassy in Beijing reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the Davao Cultural Festival was formally opened on September 09 at the Marco Polo Parkside Hotel in Beijing.

At the event, guests enjoyed Davao specialties prepared by Filipino chefs Gene and Gino Gonzalez of Café Ysabel fame. Special song and dance performances were presented by the highly-acclaimed Kalumon Performing Ensemble.

In her welcome speech, Minister Donna Rodriguez, on behalf of Philippine Ambassador to China Erlinda Basilio, invited the guests to savor the fresh and healthy cuisine prepared by the chefs who flew in especially for the festival.  She highlighted that Philippine produce has been feted the world over for their freshness and excellent quality. She then invited Chinese friends and other guests to visit and experience Davao, which she referred to as one of the top agricultural production areas in the Philippines, famed for its fruits like mangoes, durian, mangosteen, and pomelos.

The festival is jointly organized by the Department of Tourism Davao Region, Cebu Pacific Airlines and Marco Polo Parkside Hotel.  END