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yoga1

SHANGHAI - In keeping with the Department of Foreign Affairs’ workplace health promotion and well-being objectives, the personnel of the Philippine Consulate General in Shanghai attended an introductory Yoga class conducted on 5 October by certified Chinese practitioners.

Theyoga2.png three-hour session took place at the Jia Bei Yoga Studio (24th South Building, Silver Exchange Plaza, Xu Jia Hui, Shanghai), with certified instructor Ms. Liu Ma leading and registered nurse Ellen Su Lin of the International Medical Center of Shanghai Ren’ai Hospital assisting.

The session covered a brief introduction on Yoga, before proceeding to basic/beginner Yoga postures and finally to aerial Yoga/Pilates utilizing hammocks.

Consul General Josel F. Ignacio presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Nurse Su and the instructors, at the end of the activity.

The PCG holds a team wellness activity at least once a year also in furtherance of the Philippine Government’s Gender and Development (GAD) objectives. “Our PCG is one of the busiest in the Mainland across all service areas. It is important for the PCG to also look after the health and welfare of its personnel so they may be in the best condition to render such service, and for their well-being,” highlighted Consul General Ignacio as he closed the session.

In 2021, PCG personnel attended a Lecture-Workshop on Traditional Chinese Medicine (or TCM) for Neck and Low Back Pain to promote occupational wellness. END

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nov holiday1 nov holiday2

kadayawan1

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).

kadayawan2Kadayawan 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

 

Fil entrepreneur

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

DF2020