PRESS RELEASE
Filipino Talent Takes Center Stage at Pinoy Fiesta in China
23 June 2023 -- SM Xiamen Lifestyle Center Courtyard was jam-packed during the Dragon-Boat Festival holiday as hundreds of Chinese locals and foreigners flocked to party with Filipinos as Filipino artists and musicians performed in their first ever fiesta-themed concert titled “Pinoy Fiesta at SM Xiamen: An Evolution of Philippine Music”. (For local release only: The event was also witnessed by Deputy Director-General Yao Jianhong of the Foreign Affairs Office of Xiamen as well as representatives from the Xiamen consular corps.)
The grand event was organized by the Philippine Consulate General in Xiamen and the Filipino Association in Xiamen in celebration of the 125th Anniversary of Philippine Independence, Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day, and the 48th Anniversary of Philippines-China Relations.
To kick off the celebrations, Consul General Maria Antonina Mendoza-Oblena, a talented pianist herself, performed “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika” together with an all-Filipino band and with world-class Chinese 5-string violist Ms. Jing Yang. They also performed “Por Una Cabeza” and the iconic Chinese song “The Moon Represents My Heart” while tango performers Ms. Hannah Wong and Mr. Johnny Wei glided through the dance floor.
Music reverberated throughout the mall as the bands performed Philippine music throughout the ages, from the pre-colonial era to present day. Performers from the Manila-Xiamen International School moved to the rhythm of traditional Filipino music and showcased Filipino culture through dance, while a group of Chinese children from Idea Arts Center also performed traditional Chinese dances to celebrate the friendship between China and the Philippines.
Staying true to the spirit of a fiesta, the event was a gastronomical delight as it featured Filipino food booths, which drew a large crowd of both Filipinos and locals alike. Several attendees showed off their creativity and style by showing up in their best Philippine national attire.
Multiple raffle draws were held throughout the event to raffle off generous gift certificates from various sponsors. Four winners took home the grand prize of roundtrip flight tickets to the Philippines, so they can experience the country first-hand.
According to Consul General Oblena, the Pinoy Fiesta was organized to bring together Filipinos and Chinese in Xiamen to celebrate Philippine as well as Chinese culture and traditions.
This fun-filled event was made possible thanks to the creative direction of Filipino artists Mr. Jose “Bong” Antivola and Mr. Allan Vibar.
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