The Filipinos and the Chinese can look back to long years of friendship and trade relations. These we see, in Chinese immersion, in our language, arts and culture, education, food, fashion and festivals. The Chinese New Year had been declared a holiday; a yearly cultural celebration. Cebu, which has a substantial Chinese population, is a tourism hub for the Chinese New Year. February is the time for colorful lion and dragon dances, yee sang rituals, dining and wining. Ah, what is the Philippines without a touch of China?
LEGACY. The Sacred Heart School - Ateneo de Cebu dedicated and named one edifice in honor of Ambassador Francisco Benedicto to acknowledge his valuable contribution in promoting education and Filipino-Chinese cultural heritage.
LUNAR. Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa hosted its Chinese traditional celebration of the Lunar Year, the Year of the Earth Pig, at the Tea of Spring, one of the top 20 best restaurants in Philippine Tatler Guide 2017. Rituals were led by general manager Rene Egle and People’s Republic of China Consul General Jia Li.
GONG XI FA CAI. At the Marco Polo Plaza Cebu Chinese festival, Yee Sang and dinner, special guests Ambassador Frank Benedicto, People’s Republic of China Consul General Jia Li, general manager Brian Connelly. Other guests: Mayen Tan, doctor Vivina Tiu and GMA 7 regional head Ann Marie Tan.
TRADITION. The Benedicto, Chiu and Chioson clan led by Ambassador Francisco and Tina Benedicto. Consul Enrique and Helen Benedicto, Consul Sam and Emily Chioson, Consuls Grand and Enrison Benedicto and their families, set the pace in promoting decades of durable Filipino-Chinese tradition and friendship in Cebu.
ONE BIG STEP FORWARD. The consortium agreement of the University of San Jose-Recoletos Master of Law program and sisterschool San Sebastian College-Manila Graduate School of Law, signed by USJ-R president Cristopher Maspara, OAR, and legal education board chairman Emerson Aquende, witnessed by USJ-R law dean Jonathan Capanas, lawyer Elaine Bathan and law faculty.
CHINESE YEARFEST. Chinese New Year festivities at the Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino. At right, we wish director of sales and marketing of Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa, Myra Abelido-Regner, success in her new venture. We share fond memories in Shangri-La.
DINNER. At Golden Prince Hotel and Suites’ Chinese and Valentine’s dinner with the media and guests: Benny Que, Honey Loop, Consul Glenn Loop and Aaron Cue.