Jiading District, Shanghai – The Philippine Consulate General and the Filipino Community in Shanghai (FilComSha) joined forces to successfully hold the “Flavors and Friendships: A Filipino and Chinese Culinary and Cultural Celebration event on April 20, drawing in Filipinos, Chinese friends and expats from far and wide to help celebrate a milestone in Philippines – China relations, their 50 years of diplomatic relations.
More than 200 guests and participants gathered at the local headquarters of Philippine speaker manufacturer Dai-ichi Electronics (Shanghai) Ltd. in Xuhang Town, Jiading District, to join in the festivities, the free venue generously offered by Dai-ichi General Manager Ms. Lee Mie Yee.

Acting Head of the Consulate General Consul John Francis S. Herrera warmly welcomed the guests to the event during his opening remarks. He took the opportunity to explain that “it is not enough to limit our celebration to 50 years (of Philippines-China ties). The interaction, trade, cooperation, friendship and brotherly ties go back centuries and even predates the arrival of the Spanish”.

The event, a colorful celebration of centuries old Filipino-Chinese relations and cultural interlinkages, did not disappoint its guests who were kept entertained, there never being a dull moment, as they were treated to three levels of fun and excitement: a Fiesta Pagkain (food festival), Fiesta Kultura (cultural festival) and Fiesta Palaro (games festival).

The festival attendees savored a wide selection of Filipino and Chinese dishes and snacks, offered by numerous stalls set up by participating Filipino organizations and Chinese and Philippine businesses.

A pageant showcasing the traditional costumes of Luzon (Igorot), Visayas (Masskara Festival) and Mindanao (Singkil garb) enthralled guests as three muses donned and flaunted their own home-made costumes, with the “Best in Costume” prize being awarded to the Mindanao representative and her elegant “Singkil” dress.

Traditional Filipino games such as the “Pabitin, Tumbang Preso, Palo Palayok, Paper Dance and Sipa,” were a hit among Filipino and Chinese kids and adults alike.

Adding to the event’s attractions was a full array of musical and dance performances, including a dazzling rendition of the Paypay de Manila performed by the event organizing committee of FilComSha, with the participation of FilComSha President Ms. Michelle Teope-Shen.

Participating vendors operating the stalls also had their fair share of fun and excitement, as VIP guests visited each of their stalls as judges to choose the winner of the “Best Booth” based on creativity and appeal. Shanghai-based Filipino Ms. Veronica Fontanilla’s stall “JJ’s Hapagkainan” bagged the top prize, winning over the judges with its “Masskara” theme.

Consul Herrera expressed his sincere gratitude to the Filipino Community in Shanghai (FilComSha) and its member organizations, who threw in all their support behind the Consulate General’s vision to deliver an event celebrating Philippine-China friendship like no other.

Flavors and Friendships is the second in a series of activities of the Philippine Consulate General and the Filipino community in Shanghai to commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China. END