21 June 2012- The Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou held a reception to celebrate the 114th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence at the Crowne Plaza Hotel City Center in Guangzhou last June 11.
Among the guests were Chinese government officials, led by Mr. Chen Yong, Deputy Secretary of the Guangdong People's Government, the Consular Corps in Guangzhou, members of the media, and leaders of the Filipino community under the Consulate's jurisdiction.
Prior to the start of the official program, guests were treated to a video on tourist destinations in the Philippines followed by a choral performance of the song "Isang Lahi, Isang Dugo, Isang Musika" by FilMusic Choir, an amateur singing group composed of Filipinos working in Guangzhou.
The official program started with the national anthems of the Philippines and China, after which Consul General Raly L. Tejada delivered his national day remarks.
In his speech, he called to mind the struggles of our forebears towards freedom.
He also mentioned that the occasion also commemorated the 37th anniversary of Philippines-China diplomatic relations.
He informed the guests that 2012 and 2013 have been named as "Years of Friendly Exchanges" between the Philippines and China.
The Consul General reminded that tourist from Guangdong make up the bulk of tourists from mainland China, therefore it was fitting that the Chinese version of the new Philippine tourism campaign "It's More Fun in the Philippines" was launched in Guangdong in March this year.
At the end of the speech, the Consul General proposed a toast to the lasting friendship between the Filipino and Chinese peoples.
Guests were entertained by performances of Philippine traditional dances "Ragragsakan" and "Tinikling" performed by Filipino students in Guangzhou, with guests headed by the Dean of the Consular Corps in Guangzhou trying to learn the "Tinikling."
Musical entertainment continued with the local Filipino band "Fill the Gap" playing a set of Filipino and international hits which prompted spontaneous dancing among the Filipino and foreign guests.
Filipino cuisine was served during the reception, with draft beer furnished by San Miguel directly from the Philippines.
Fresh Philippine mangoes were sourced and promoted especially for the occasion. END
