All roads led to the Philippine Embassy in Beijing on Sunday, 09 December, as Filipinos in Beijing, Tianjin and nearby areas trooped to the Embassy for the annual Christmas party for the Filipino community.  Everyone who arrived in the Embassy was greeted with a cup of steaming hot chocolate and a smile in true Filipino fashion.

Greeting the hearty crowd of about 300, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Alex G. Chua in his welcome remarks looked back on the milestones that the Philippines marked in the past year. He took note of the strong economic growth that the Philippines enjoyed in the 1st 3 quarters of 2012, with 3rd quarter economic growth at 7.1%, the second fastest in Asia after China; the slowdown in inflation rate in November from 3.1% to 2.8%; and the robust performance of the Philippine stock market, making it one of the best-performing stock markets in the world. He also called upon Filipinos in China to remember the main messages of the Yuletide season – peace and goodwill among mankind, love and respect for family and friends, and the ties that bind Filipinos as a community and as a country. CDA Chua also requested the audience, as they prepare for the holidays, to remember the families affected by Typhoon Pablo.

Following CDA Chua’s opening remarks, the day’s festivities began with the lighting of the Christmas lanterns adorning the chancery, which were especially flown in from San Fernando, Pampanga to showcase this uniquely Filipino symbol of Christmas in China. This was followed by a well-received presentation on financial planning by the Embassy’s Economic Team composed of Commercial Counselor Zafrullah Masahud and First Secretary and Consul Ivan Frank Olea.

A much-anticipated raffle draw featured the grand prize of a round trip Beijing-Manila-Beijing ticket courtesy of Cebu Pacific Air.  A variety of parlor games added fun and laughter to the event.

The Bayanihan spirit reigned during the party, as many Filipinos contributed food to the merienda fare of lechon, arroz caldo, tokwa’t baboy, pancit bihon, dinuguan, and sweets such as maja blanca and biko.

“We all had a wonderful time,”  enthused a Pinoy from Beijing.  “This is my first time to attend this yearly Christmas party organized by the Embassy for the Filipino community. We thank the Embassy for a great job in orchestrating this afternoon’s event.  Babalik ako next year! ”
 
“I know I had arrived at the Philippine Embassy when from far away, I was already greeted with a smile,” said another excited Pinoy.

A musical extravaganza that showcased the multi-faceted talents of Filipinos employed in 5 star hotels in Beijing and Tianjin, who performed for the community for free, capped the fun-filled afternoon.  Liwayway Co. gave out 400 packs of snack foods to all the guests, while Jollibee-owned Yonghe King gave out vouchers for lucky draw winners.  San Miguel China had gift packs ready for the performers, while various Filipino families generously shared stuffed toys and small appliances with their compatriots.