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The Chinese Consulate in Laoag Holds Chinese New Year Reception

2018-02-12 22:13

February 16th, 2018 will mark the Chinese Spring Festival – the Year of the Dog. To welcome and celebrate this traditional festival, Consul and Head of Post Mme. Wang Jianqun and her husband hosted a reception at the Resort Hotel Fort Ilocandia on February 11th, 2018. This historical hotel was festively decorated with big red lanterns and exotic flowers. Hon. Board Member Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc, representing the Hon. Governor Imee Marcos, Hon. Tan, Mayor of Santiago, Leaders and representatives of the Chinese community organizations in the consular district, provincial board members and mayors of several cities, chiefs of the local police office and Chinese volunteer teachers were among the some 350 guests attending the evening reception.

In her New Year message, Consul and Head of Post Mme. Wang Jianqun lauded the remarkable achievements China made in the social and economic fields as well as foreign affairs in the past year. She briefed her guests on the glorious goals set forth by the 19th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party. "2018 marks the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up. The past fast economic development was achieved through reform and opening-up. The high-quality growth of China's economy in the new era will also depend on deepening reform and opening-up." she said. Consul Wang also shared with her guests the new development in China-Philippines bilateral relations with emphasis on people-to-people contact between local governments of the two countries in the past year. She thanked the local Filipino-Chinese community for their contribution in strengthening friendship and mutual understanding between the two peoples. Consul Wang wished her guests and their families a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year of the Dog.

 

Hon. Board Member Manotoc, on behalf of Hon. Governor Imee Marcos and the provincial government of Ilocos Norte, Hon. Mayor Tan, on behalf of city governments and the Filipino-Chinese community also made inspiring remarks, wishing China and her people a prosperous Chinese New Year.

 

Hon. Board Member Manotoc talked about relations between the Province of Ilocos Norte and China from a historical perspective. "Relations between the Province of Ilocos Norte and China date back centuries, up to the Tang and Song dynasties, even predating our foundation as a province. The early Ilocanos were said to have been in contact with Chinese traders and explorers, demonstrating the depth and strength of our relationship. From relations of trade and commerce, we have built a stronger sense of family acknowledging each other not only as partners in trade but also for inclusive development and mutual benefit, united by common goals." "In many ways, we consider our partnerships and collaborations as journeys as a family." he said.

 

Hon. Mayor Tan, in his remarks, applauded China's economic achievements and the new development of relations between the two countries. "Recently, the Philippines has been rapidly improving relations and cooperating with China on various issues, developing a much stronger and stable ties with the country." He thanked the Chinese Consulate in Laoag for its assistance to his city. "China's economic growth has remained one of the strongest in the world and your people's livelihood has continuously been improved. We hope to develop a comprehensive relationship which extend far beyond the normal and official flow of tourists, students and migrants. We also look forward in becoming one of your big partners in trading." he said.

At the reception, the Bell Church Athletic Group of Baguio City and students of the Marcos University jointly gave a stage of colourful traditional Chinese lion dance, drum performance and Philippines songs and dances to the wild applause of the audiences. This is the first time that the Bell Church Athletic Group of Baguio perform lion dance and drum show in Laoag. The grand ballroom of Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel was filled with applause and laughter throughout the evening reception.

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