GOVPH

Filipinos, Chinese in Shanghai, Yangtze Delta region join online Davao Kadayawan revelry

Filipinos and Chinese nationals in Shanghai and the Yangtze River Delta Region joined “Bisitas” from across the globe in the virtual celebration of Davao City’s Kadayawan Festival, livestreamed on 24 September 2022.

The livestream was part of Season 2 of Fiesta Filipinas: An Online Celebration of the Philippine Festivals, an ongoing collaboration between the Department of Foreign Affairs and the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

Kadayawan celebrates the natural bounty and rich tapestry of various indigenous cultures of Davao City and surrounding regions. For the virtual celebration, participants from all around the world – nominated by Philippine diplomatic and consular missions – also took part in a cooking segment on “Puto Maya” (a Philippine rice cake) and “Tsokolate de Davao” (Davao hot chocolate drink), using ingredients provided beforehand by these missions via curated kits.

The “Bisitas” nominated by the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Shanghai were:

• SUN Weimin, Officer, Shanghai Public Diplomacy Association (SPDA)
• LI Si, Travel Agent
• Noemie DE LEON-LACAY, Chef
• Michelle TEOPE-SHEN, President, Filipino Community in Shanghai (FILCOMSHA)
• Lee Mie YEE, General Manager, Dai-Ichi Electronics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
• Caroline B. ONG, Entrepreneur and Pamana ng Pilipino Awardee, 2021 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO)
• Chabeli Jill A. HILASQUE, Chairperson, Pinoy Teachers Association in Shanghai (PITAS)
• Gemma CALOPE, President, The Filipino Teachers in Shanghai
• Riza DE GUZMAN, President, PILIPININGBO (Ningbo, Zhejiang Province)

PCG’s Bisitas tremendously enjoyed the virtual celebration and trying their hand at making Puto Maya and Tsokolate from scratch, in sync with the online demonstration. Many proudly took to FB and WeChat, China’s social media platform, to share their photographs and videos of the unboxing of their kits, as well as their attempts at the Pinoy delicacies.

During the livestream itself, Chef De-Leon Lacay was among those invited by the hosts to present her finished and beautifully plated puto maya and tsokolate.

Meanwhile, Ms. Teope-Shen, leader of the umbrella organization FILCOMSHA posted  her experience on her WeChat account. “Wow! From unboxing ‘til the end, what a fantastic and awesome experience!”, she said.

They commended the DFA, NCCA, as well as the PCG for the opportunity to experience the Kadayawan even if only virtually. Such activities are especially appreciated by China-based Filipinos, many of whom have not visited the Philippines the past two years owing to the pandemic. END

Entrepreneur Carol Ong, founder of BEBEBALM Natural Healthy Skin salves, calls on PCG

Consul General Josel F. Ignacio received Ms. Caroline B. ONG, Shanghai-based Filipino advertising professional and founder of Bebebalm Inc., on 28 September. Also present were Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) Chief Mario C. Tani and Consul (Economic) Francis S. Herrera.

Bebebalm produces various products for skin care, repair and protection, especially for sensitive skin. True to the age-old adage, necessity was mother to its invention: Ms. Ong developed her plant-based skin salves in frustration over the inefficacy of commercially available treatments for her child’s chronic rashes.

Bebebalm makes use of Philippine virgin coconut oil as key ingredient, together with extracts of known therapeutic plants such as lavender, ginger, lemongrass and others. From word of mouth, the merits of Bebebalm continue to attract a loyal clientele of “Bebelievers”  via bazaars, stores and e-commerce platforms. It is now marketed in China, the Philippines and the U.S.

For starting Bebebalm, achievements including in advertising, and work supporting Filipino professionals in Shanghai, Ms. Ong received the 2020 Top Outstanding Filipino, Makabagong Bayani Award and the 2021 Presidential Award for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO), Pamana ng Pilipino Category.

Bebebalm is eyeing further growth, for which the PCG and PTIC pledged support. “Ms. Ong embodies the boundless creativity and strong entrepreneurial spirit of Filipinos. Bebebalm’s success can only enhance the Philippines’ profile in China.” END

Philippine Consulate General visits Dai-Ichi Electronics Shanghai

Consul General Josel F. Ignacio led the officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) and the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) Office paid a visit to the Shanghai factory of Dai-Ichi Electronics Shanghai Co. Ltd in Jiading District on 10-11 September.

Receiving them were the company’s Filipino General Manager, Ms. Lee Mie Yee, and Dai-Ichi’s Filipino staff.

The PCG and PDOT delegation were given a briefing on the corporate profile, history, overseas expansion and product lines of Pasig City-headquartered Dai-ichi, before being toured around the company’s sprawling assembly facility. Dai-Ichi Shanghai specializes in speakers and associated electronics that are exported to clients in the US and many other countries.

Following the facility tour and briefing, Dai-ichi extended its hospitality to hosting the PCG and PDOT’s Team-Building Activity. The visit also provided a welcome opportunity to engage Dai-ichi’s Filipino personnel, many of whom have been unable to return to the Philippines due to COVID-19 restrictions, in fellowship and games. END