Delectable food, classic drinks, and good conversation with individuals who define friendship as an important ingredient to foster cooperation beyond cultural differences —these summarized the special dinner hosted by Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua for Congresswoman Claudine Diana Bautista of Dumper PTDA Party-list, local government officials and other community leaders at his official residence in Metro Manila.
The dinner was filled with interesting exchange of cultural knowledge and legacies between the host and his guests. It was a night of opportunity to appreciate how much the Filipinos and Chinese have in common.
Inspiring stories of how China rose as country and as a nation was shared by Ambassador Zhao himself. He showed a variety of his premium antic collections from the finest porcelains down to leadership books that hold strong significance of their country’s colorful sociopolitical history.
After walking down the eastern memory lane and the sharing of sumptuous cuisine, Ambassador Zhao invited his guests to visit China, Beijing in particular, to witness and benchmark some of the country’s best practices which local leaders might want to replicate and innovate in their respective districts.
The dinner was graced by Mayor Jason John Joyce of Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, Vice-Mayor Josephine Mariscal of Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental, Ms. Sholai Lim, Chairperson Provincial Women Development of Davao de Oro, Ms. Jinelyn II Cawa, Tourism Officer of Sarangani, Davao Occidental, Ms. Verna Wee, Atty. Kristine Joy Paras, Atty. Amy Enriquez.
Deputy Chief of Mission Mr. Tan Qingsheng Director of Political Section Ms. Guo Xiaohan, and Mr. Zhao Yujian, Attachè on Political Section from the Office of Chinese Ambassador also joined the dinner.
