GOVPH

Filipino Cuisine and Cultural Heritage at “Salu-Salo: Filipino Food Festival” in Chongqing

Chongqing, 28 May 2025 — The Philippine Consulate General in Chongqing, China, hosted “Salu-Salo: Filipino Food Festival” on 28 May 2025. The event showcased the vibrant fl avors of Filipino cuisine and the enduring ties between the Philippines and China, drawing guests from the consular corps, local government, media, business sector, and the Filipino community.

The celebration echoed this year’s National Heritage Month theme, “Heritage and Identity: Preserving the Past, Enriching the Future.” The festival’s menu, themed around coconut—a hallmark of Filipino cooking—was specially prepared by guest chef Oscar Renei B. Gutay from the Manila Marriott Hotel, who was fl own in through the partnership of Westin Chongqing Liberation Square and the Manila Marriott Hotel.

In commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Diplomatic Relations of the Philippines and China, dishes were creatively prepared using traditional and contemporary Filipino techniques on locally available ingredients in China. The menu also featured fried rice made with pickles from the Panhua Group, one of the largest Chinese investors in the Philippines, thereby symbolizing the continued, evolving culinary relationship between the two countries.

A special highlight of the evening was the screening of a behind-the-scenes video produced by Beijing-based China Global Television Network (CGTN), which documented the collaboration between the Filipino chef and the Chinese executive chef of Westin Chongqing Liberation Square during the preparation of the festival
menu. The video gave guests a closer look at the culinary exchange and the spirit of cooperation behind the event.

The evening also featured rich cultural performances. Guests enjoyed live renditions of traditional Chinese music performed on the erhu and bamboo fl ute. A Chongqing-based dancer whose work bridges classical tradition and contemporary expression also performed. Sinag MaharLikha, a cultural group from the Filipino community in Chongqing, wowed the guests with a vibrant repertoire featuring diverse regional traditions of the Philippines.

Consul General Ivan Frank Olea, in his welcome remarks, emphasized the importance of cultural diplomacy in building deeper understanding and meaningful connections. “Tonight’s event is more than just a culinary showcase — it is a celebration of friendship and shared journeys,” he said.

The Filipino Food Festival is part of the Consulate’s ongoing commitment to promote Philippine heritage abroad and strengthen people-to-people ties with Chongqing and Western China through culture, cuisine, and collaboration.

The Philippine Consulate collaborated with the Foreign Affairs Offi ce of Yuzhong District and the Chongqing International Culture Exchange Center for this event. END

PH Consul General Olea visits Chongqing Banan Bashu Experimental Primary School and Chongqing Banan Yucai Secondary School

07 May 2025, Chongqing - Philippine Consul General Ivan Frank M. Olea, along with other diplomats in Chongqing, visited Chongqing Banan Bashu Experimental Primary School and Chongqing Banan Yucai Secondary School to explore opportunities for cooperation with the educational institutions under the Leader Education Group (LEG).

Mr. Zou Yi, President of the LEG, shared his group’s vision to integrate Chinese and Western cultures to establish an international academy. The schools are also at the forefront of utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) in their curriculum.

The visit also provided an opportunity for  cultural exchange. After a tour of the facilities, one of the teachers taught the intangible cultural heritage of traditional hand dyeing. Meanwhile, students had the opportunity to ask questions to diplomats about the culture and natural wonders of their country. 

Consul General Olea encouraged the students to visit the Philippines and explore its sun and beach destinations and to consider taking English-as-a-Second-Language programs in the Philippines. END

Philippine Consulate General in Chongqing and Bashu Middle School Strengthen Educational Cooperation

Chongqing, China 15 April 2025 - The Philippine Consulate General in Chongqing met with officials from Bashu Middle School this week to discuss exciting new areas of cooperation aimed at strengthening educational and cultural ties between the Philippines and China.

The discussions focused on the launch of an English Corner program at Bashu Middle School, where representatives from the Consulate will assist students in developing their English communication skills through conversation-based activities. This initiative aims to create an immersive language environment and foster greater confidence among students in using English for everyday communication.

Beyond language learning, both sides also expressed interest in organizing seminars on modern teaching methodologies, as well as establishing online classes to further enrich Bashu’s educational programs. The Philippine side emphasized its willingness to support the program’s early stages and looks forward to collaborating closely with Bashu’s faculty in this endeavor.

The meeting also highlighted the growing ties between Xavier School in the Philippines and Bashu Middle School. Building on the success of a friendship basketball game held last November, both institutions are exploring the possibility of formalizing their partnership through a signed agreement. Future activities under this partnership may include academic exchanges focusing on teaching methodologies, as well as expanded sports programs featuring basketball, volleyball, and other athletic events.

The Philippine Consulate reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing education and cultural exchanges in Chongqing and expressed optimism that these initiatives will contribute to greater mutual understanding and friendship between the youth of both countries. END