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11 June 2025, BEIJING – As the Philippine Embassy in Beijing celebrated the 127th Anniversary of Philippine Independence, Ambassador Jaime A. FlorCruz in his speech honored the gallantry of Filipinos in their fight for freedom.

He recalled a similar display of courage and bravery during the Battle of Sta. Cruz, where Filipino and Chinese guerilla forces fought together to liberate the town of Laguna during the Second World War.

“We celebrate the 127th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence with the theme, ‘Freedom, Future, History.’ On June 12, 1898, our people declared independence from more than 300 years of colonial rule and asserted our freedom as a people and a nation,” the Philippine Ambassador said.

Guests to the diplomatic reception included descendants of a Filipino-Chinese Guerilla force who fought along with the Filipino freedom fighters in the Second World War.

“Ours is a story of honor, camaraderie and bravery in the fight for independence and self-determination. It is a story of our fight for freedom and nationhood,” he said.

The Ambassador also spoke of long-standing ties among Filipinos and Chinese, from centuries of exchanges to ongoing economic and people-to-people exchanges.

“Tonight, I wish to put the spotlight on people— the many men and women who have been building bridges of friendship between the Philippines and China,” Ambassador FlorCruz said, highlighting that the Embassy is also commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Philippines-China Diplomatic Reception.

Business leaders from the Philippines – such as Special Envoy Maynard Ngu, Mr. Salvador “Buddy” Zamora, and Mr. Carlos Chan – flew to Beijing on the invitation of Ambassador FlorCruz to grace the commemorative events in China.

During the reception, the Embassy also launched the book #MadeItInChina, a compilation of stories from an online series of the same title that featured Filipinos who have succeeded in China across different professions.

“Their stories are a testament to the strength and resilience of our people and highlight their distinctive contributions to the narrative of Philippine-China friendship. Their stories show that China is a place where Filipinos can find their chosen careers, thrive and succeed,” Ambassador FlorCruz said.

Maestro Raul Sunico, a world-renowned pianist, and the Loboc Children’s Choir travelled to China and performed during the diplomatic reception. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts supported the event through the Sentro Rizal Beijing. (30)

09 June 2025, Tianjin – World-renowned Filipino pianist Maestro Raul Sunico showcased his prowess in piano and mentored Chinese musical prodigies from the Tianjin Conservatory of Music in a masterclass held in the city south of Beijing. 


Titled “Golden Keys: A Piano Masterclass to Showcase of Filipino Musical Mastery in China,” the masterclass held on 09 June 2025 is part of the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of Philippines-China Diplomatic Relations.  

 

Ambassador Jaime FlorCruz said people-to-people exchanges are at the center of activities lined up by the Philippine Embassy in Beijing to commemorate this milestone year.

 

“This is a milestone cultural and academic exchange between our very own Maestro Sunico and Chinese students from a top music school like the Tianjin Conservatory of Music. It speaks of the richness and depth of our people-to-people ties and brings out the harmony between our two countries,” Ambassador FlorCruzsaid. 

 

“It is an important cultural interaction between Maestro Sunico, who carries his decades of experience as a musical artist, and the promising young Chinese prodigies, who will shape the future of music.” the Ambassador noted. 

 

For Dr. Sunico, it was also an opportunity not just to impart skills and his talent, but also to connect with the young musicians.

 

“My interaction with talented and passionate Chinese students from the Tianjin Conservatory of Music provided an opportunity for me to showcase a Filipino  piece. Despite differences in Chinese and Filipino melodies, my students picked up the pieces very well, proving that music is a universal language,” Dr. Sunico remarked. 

 

Maestro Sunico played Filipino classic Kumintang, reflecting the emotional depth of Filipino culture, and Liebestod, a Richard Wagner/Franz Liszt opera, reflecting the love and connection between people.

 

From Beethoven's classical period to Stravinsky and Rachmaninov's 20th-century works, Maestro Sunico’s masterclass covered a wide range of topics, including technical proficiency with quick passages, polyrhythms, and dynamic control.

 

He also talked about expressive depth spanning Stravinsky's modernism, Schubert's tragedy, and Debussy's impressionism.

 

Tianjin, a municipality located near Beijing, is known for its rich musical heritage and a cultural bridge between Western classical traditions and Chinese cultural influences. 

 

The event was made possible through the Embassy’s partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and Sentro Rizal Beijing. 

 

Apart from his visit to Beijing and the masterclass in Tianjin, the Filipino maestro will also have similar performances in Chongqing and Guangzhou, upon the invitation of Philippine Foreign Service Posts in China, as part of cultural initiatives to promote Philippine culture in China. (30)

Beijing, China, 17-20 May 2025  — Filipino artist Anna Karina Jardin brought Philippine creativity to the spotlight at The Charms of Beijing International Art Exchange Exhibition and the 2nd Art Exhibition of the Southeast and South Asia Chapter of the Western Returned Scholars Association (WRSA) held at the Beijing Center for Blanc De Chine - Dehua Porcelain in Fengtai District.

Jardin, a Filipina artist based in Malaysia and head of the Asia Artists Association – Philippines Chapter, proudly represented the Philippines with two original pieces: "Luck Favors the Brave" and "Sequestered Pursuits." Her works explore the power of grit and the influence of nature and nurture on ambition and resilience. The artworks were well received at the opening ceremony, drawing positive reactions from guests and fellow artists.

Jardin signs autographs for her Chinese attendees.

 

The exhibition, which runs from 17 to 20 May 2025, features 126 artworks from 76 artists across 12 countries and regions, including Greece, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and China.

According to Jardin, her role in promoting Filipino art abroad through her leadership position may have contributed to her inclusion in this year’s exhibition.

“It’s an honor to share Filipino perspectives and creativity on an international stage,” she said.

The event is part of a six-day art and cultural exchange program led by Asia Artists Association – Malaysia and the Southeast and South Asia Chapter of the WRSA. The program aims to strengthen people-to-people ties and cultural appreciation between Chinese and Southeast Asian artists.

The Philippine Embassy will continue to promote Filipino artists in future cultural and art events in China.

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