Bangkok (People's Daily) - The 18th Philippines-China Traditional Cultural Festival was held Saturday at Manila's Rizal Park Chinese Garden by the Manila Bay, with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte sending a congratulatory message.
The first festival was held in 2001 to celebrate the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the Philippines.
The Philippines and China have not only exchanged goods but also culture, tradition and values over the past thousands of years. Our ties help make progress together, promote peace and prosperity. I hope that our countries can keep the friendly relationship. I hope that the cultural festival can deepen our friendship, wrote Duterte in his message.
Chinese ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua said that 2018 is the Year of the Dog, which symbolizes loyalty. China and the Philippines are not only trade partners but also good friends.
The festival attracted thousands of local residents and overseas Chinese with various Chinese traditional arts, including a series of exhibitions of Chinese lanterns, paper cutting artwork, kites, Chinese paintings and music performances.
(Compiled by Chi Jingyi)
