PERFORMERS from China’s Shaanxi Province regaled nearly a thousand guests made up of mixed Chinese and Filipino audience at the “Cultural Shaanxi — Charm of the Silk Road Legacy” by the Chinese Cultural Courier @ the Philippines at Aliw Theater, Pasay City, on March 19, 2026.
Through the collaborations of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines, the Shaanxi Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism and the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Associations in the Philippines Foundation (FFCAPF), the performers from Shaanxi Song and Dance Theater brought the culture of the origin of the Silk Road and the energy of the Yellow River to life on the stage in Manila.
In his message, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan hailed the initiative for bringing closer ties between the Chinese and Filipino peoples.
“On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines, I warmly welcome the delegation and performers from Shaanxi Province. I also extend sincere greetings to everyone here tonight. My thanks go to the Shaanxi Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Associations of the Philippines Foundation, and those who have worked hard in making this event possible,” he opened.
“Culture and tourism are bridges. They deepen exchange and build friendship. Before the pandemic in 2019, China was the Philippines’ second-largest source of visitors, with 1.74 million arrivals. By the end of 2025, that number fell to a mere 262,000. We welcome the recent Philippine announcement of a 14-day visa-free policy for Chinese citizens. This is a positive step for people-to-people exchange,” he continued.
“The visa-free policy has raised travel interest to the Philippines, and bookings increased over this Chinese New Year. Airlines are adding capacity and routes: Xiamen Airlines will revive Quanzhou-Cebu direct flights on March 29, and Air China will launch Chongqing—Manila direct service on May 1, offering faster and more convenient travel for passengers,” Ambassador Quan announced.
“At the same time, negative reports — online gambling scams and incidents involving Chinese citizens — have left some travelers worried. We will make good use of the visa-free policy while actively preventing and managing risks to ensure safe travel,” he cautioned.
“China and the Philippines are neighbors; we should learn from, help, and respect each other. We are both very kind people, and there is no reason for hatred. China treats the Philippines as a friend and neighbor, offering sincere help without conditions,” he continued.
“China’s development is not a threat but an opportunity for the Philippines. I hope more Filipinos will visit China to see our technology, ride our high-speed trains, enjoy our landscapes and cuisine, and meet pandas. As more people travel between our countries, misunderstandings will naturally fade,” the ambassador said.
“The Chinese Cultural Courier @ the Philippines started in early 2022 and, with strong support by Federation of Filipino-Chinese Associations of the Philippines Foundation, has held 16 successful events that showcase China’s regional cultures and has made a broad, lasting impact in the Philippines, becoming an important platform for people-to-people ties,” he informed.
“Shaanxi, a cradle of Chinese civilization and the starting place of the Silk Road, will tonight present the unique charm of the Silk Road culture, which we eagerly anticipate,” he added.
“Stable China—Philippines relations rely on the joint efforts of many. Cultural exchange works subtly but powerfully. Let this event be a new start: everyone can contribute, with funds or effort, to boost travel and cultural exchange, improve public sentiment, and stabilize bilateral ties. Together, we can strengthen China—Philippines friendship,” Ambassador Quan concluded, adding his wish for a successful show.
Shaanxi Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism Deputy Director Du Jingen and FFCAPF Chairman Tiu Keeping also delivered messages.
“In recent years, Shaanxi and the Philippines have forged increasingly vibrant cultural ties. Taking this opportunity, we aim to deepen grassroots friendship through joint initiatives in cultural exchanges, intangible cultural heritage exhibitions and performances, museum exchanges and artistic performances We aim to enhance people-to-people bonds and ensure that the enduring friendship between China and the Philippines continues to thrive through shared understanding and heartfelt connections,” Du said.
Keeping noted that Shaanxi’s ancient capital Xi’an is the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, possessing a profound historical and cultural heritage with its dances, folk songs, instrumental music and traditional opera, among others.
“At the same time, the Philippines is a country where diverse cultures blend harmoniously. With its vibrant traditions and rich artistic heritage, the Filipino people are known for their love of music and dance, and for their remarkable artistic talent,” he said.
According to Keeping, since its inception, the Chinese Cultural Courier @ the Philippines has been committed to building a platform for cultural exchange, enabling the peoples of the Philippines and China to enhance mutual understanding and deepen friendship through cultural interaction.
“Cultural exchange is an important bridge connecting people’s hearts, and art is a universal language that transcends borders and languages. Let us further enhance mutual understanding and friendship between our two peoples through music and art exchanges, and jointly promote the continuous development of the friendly relations between the Philippines and China,” he said.
One of the highlights of the evening was the singing of the globally popular song “Anak” by Freddie Aguilar performed in both Chinese and its original Filipino language by a female and male singer, respectively, and “All The Way Together” by the entourage.
Adding color to the show were the performances of folk dances for the Fiesta Filipina segment by the Sandiwang Kayumanggi Dance Group before everyone went on stage for the finale.
