Manila, Philippines — Golden Collective welcomed the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Horse through the Chibog Chow Festival — a vibrant Chinese New Year celebration that brought together Filipino-Chinese heritage, cuisine, and community in one immersive cultural experience, made possible with the support of major partners BlueWater Day Spa, BYD (official mobility partner), Robinsons Land (official mall partner), Converge (official communications partner), and Agila Group. This event continues the organization’s inaugural initiative, “GOLDEN TIES OF FRIENDSHIP: Kaalaman, Kaunlaran, Kasayahan,” which commemorated the 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of the Philippines. Building on that milestone, the Chibog Chow Festival advances Golden Collective’s mission of strengthening cultural connection through shared experiences.

Guests can look forward to a full day of culture, entertainment, and discovery on February 21–22 at Robinsons Place Manila, our official mall partner, featuring a diverse lineup of Filipino-Chinese food brands ranging from well-loved heritage institutions to innovative homegrown concepts. Drawing inspiration from “Chibog” (an invitation to feast) and “Chow” (a call to eat), the festival converges distinct culinary traditions into one memorable celebration of culture and enjoyment. The event will also introduce its official festival characters — PINCHI the Panda and NANOY the Tamaraw — friendly ambassadors who will accompany the year-long festivities and embody peace, friendship, and harmony between the Philippines and China.

Festivalgoers can also enjoy interactive highlights such as Pera or Tikoy powered by Blue Water Day Spa and Skin
Elements , a playful game of luck and prizes; Prosperity Tree, symbolizing prosperity where guests may pick special ampao for surprise rewards; and the Legacy Wall, an exhibit illustrating the evolving relationship between the Philippines and China through time. Set to gather over 10,000 guests, the festival transforms the occasion into a dynamic Philippines–China Food & Cultural Fair filled with bold flavors, colorful art, festive traditions, and spectacular performances. The program includes traditional Chinese cultural performances such as a Shaolin Show and Changing Mask by Philippine Shaolin Cultural Center showcase, Presence of Mr and Ms Chinatown, A special performance of Our festival mascots Pinchi and Nanoy with Convi and Convo of Converge an insightful panel discussion with Dr. Rommel Banlaoi of the Philippines–China Studies Center, Dr. Chen Yinchang of Zhejiang
University, and Dr. Cynthia Liang of Sun Yat Sen University, another panel discussion with Mr. Wilson Flores and Sen. Nikki Coseteng about Fun, Food and Friendship, a Wealth and Prosperity Talk by renowned expert Marites Allen and ending the event with live music from 6cyclemind.

The Chibog Chow Festival is made possible by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China and the Local Government of Manila led by Mayor Isko Moreno, with participation from distinguished public officials and business leaders including Convenor Sen. Anna Dominique “Nikki” M.L. Coseteng, Senator Bong Go, Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Manila City Councilors, Local Government Units of City of Manila, His Excellency Ambassador Jing Quan and members of the diplomatic delegation from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Victor Lim (President of FFCCCII), Mr. Danny Sze (President Filipino Chinese Friendship Association) Mr. Dennis Anthony Uy (President of Converge), Ms. Mary Go Simisim and Ms. Nancy Go Owner of Bluewater Day Spa and Skin Elements also our Major Sponsor, BYD Philippines as our Official Mobility Partner and representatives from Robinsons Land Corporation as our official mall partner. Produced by GRI (Golden Rabbit Media Inc.) Golden Collective transforms celebrations into meaningful, high-impact experiences by blending culture, credibility, and seamless execution — elevating traditional ceremonies into prestigious platforms for institutions, brands, and communities, and proving that culture can both connect and matter.

About Golden Collective
Golden Collective transforms celebrations into meaningful, high-impact experiences. By blending culture, credibility, and seamless execution, the organization elevates traditional ceremonies into prestigious platforms for institutions, brands, and communities — proving that culture can both connect and matter.

For media inquiries, partnerships, and coverage opportunities, please contact:
Golden Collective Communications Team
krizzie@agilamnl.com

Published on: 20 Dec 2025, 01:42 at https://tribune.net.ph/2025/12/19/apcu-meets-chinese-ambassador-in-manila

Officials of the Association for Philippines–China Understanding (APCU) met with Chinese Ambassador H.E. Jing Quan at the Chinese Embassy in Manila to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations through people-to-people initiatives, including cooperation in medical services, culture, education, trade and commerce.

China and the Philippines share centuries-old ties rooted in pre-diplomatic trade and cultural exchanges, with formal diplomatic relations established in 1975.

Senator Nikki Coseteng warmly invites everyone to the Golden Ties of Friendship: Kaalaman, Kaunlaran, Kasayahan, a spectacular three-day festival marking 50 years of Filipino–Chinese diplomatic relations. Happening on October 2, 3, & 4, 2025 at The Atrium, Fisher Mall, Quezon City, the celebration opens daily at 10:30 AM with FREE admission. Families, friends, and communities are all welcome to experience a one-of-a-kind gathering filled with color, culture, and connection!

Get ready for a grand showcase of cultural dances, cooking shows, fashion runways, wellness talks, exhibits, and kid-friendly activities. And here’s the best part—we’re giving away ₱100,000 worth of prizes every single day, with raffle draws and surprises happening every two hours! Plus, meet our adorable festival mascots Pinchi the Panda and Nanoy the Tamaraw, spreading fun and unity throughout the celebration. Don’t miss this unforgettable event where history, friendship, and joy come alive!

Happy Chinese New Year to all! 🎊

📣 Calling out all Filipino Youth nationwide to join the APCU Essay Writing Contest 2025 and get a chance to have Free tour in China!

Rules and Mechanics

1. Theme is 50 years of Philippines-China Diplomatic Relations: Achievements and Challenges
2. The essay shall be at least 1000 words
3. It shall be submitted on or before March 15 2025 at email address apcu1974@gmail.com
4. Filipino Youth aged 30 years old and below
5. Criteria for judging

• Content, relevance, originality, comprehensiveness 50%
• Clarity of thoughts, creativeness. . 30%
• Grammar, spelling, punctuation. 20%
  Total. 100%

For more inquiries, you may also send it to apcu1974@gmail.com.

Driven by the global digital tide, short videos have risen to prominence as a vital conduit linking diverse cultures and nations. The 2024 “China-Philippines Gen Z Vision” Short Video Competition, co-hosted by China Energy Engineering Group Co., Ltd (Energy China) and the Association for Philippines-China Understanding(APCU), has come to a perfect close, and the winning list has been officially announced. The competition has sparked the enthusiastic engagement of Gen-Zers from both China and the Philippines, resulting in the submission of almost 400 exceptional short videos that celebrate the friendship between the two countries. These short videos, with each reflecting a unique perspective, told touching tales of China-Philippines ties, thereby injecting new vigor into China-Philippines cultural exchange.

Launched on August 5th, the competition has won significant support and active participation from universities, media outlets, and various sectors across both China and the Philippines. The Competition was framed across three themes: “Green Energy,””Harmonious Ecology,” and “China-Philippine Exchanges.” Through their lenses, the participants encapsulated the distinctive cultures, traditions, and societal vistas of both nations, revealing the ingenuity and profound reflections of the younger generation. Submissions included documentaries, street interviews, Vlogs, podcasts, and beyond, fully exhibiting the Generation Z’s distinctive observation and expression concerning the issues of the times.

Ten exceptional works rose to the forefront (see the below poster for details). These creations narrate the profound bond between China and the Philippines from various points of view, depicting moving stories of the two nations collaborating amidst the backdrop of green, low-carbon development, and international cooperation.

This competition has not only delivered a sensory delight to its audience but also forged a bridge of understanding between the two peoples through the amalgamation of ideas and cultures. Let us expect the Generation Z, as the “storytellers” of China-Philippine friendship, to utilize their cameras to relay more enchanting narratives and pen fresh chapters of the friendship between China and the Philippines!

🎉 Join the “China-Philippines Gen Z Vision” Short Video Competition and stand a chance to win a big prize! 🎥🌍

Share your stories of cultural exchanges and friendly collaboration between China and the Philippines. 🇨🇳❤🇵🇭

📅 Submission: August 5 – September 30
📧 Send your works and completed entry forms to videosubmission@huanqiu.com.
📲 Post your short videos with the hashtag #ChinaPhilippinesGenZVision on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok.
📥 Download the entry form by scanning the QR code in the poster.

Choose from three work units: “Green Energy,” “Harmonious Ecology,” and “China-Philippine Exchanges.”

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to win a big prize! 🏆🎁 #China #Philippines #bigprize #Friendship #ChinaPhilippinesGenZVision #ShortVideoCompetition

For more details, click the link below：
en.ceec.net.cn/art/2024/8/5/art_138_2510832.html

The Chinese are coming. Yes, to buy more goods from the Philippines! 

The Association for Philippines-China Understanding (APCU) will host a trade delegation this week from the China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) with plans to buy more products for the huge China consumer market.

APCU Chairman former Sec Raul Lambino visited Nanning, Guangxi Autonomous Region last week. It is home of the annual trade show featuring products from the ASEAN and other countries. 

Lambino expressed elation that in spite of escalating anti-China atmosphere in the country, the CAEXPO trade delegation are coming to help our local exporters find market in China. This year’s trade exhibit will be held on September 24-28.

We need this more than ever to build more bridges of people-to-people and business-to-business contacts and cooperation, he said.

Last year, the Philippines sold US$10.36M during the 20th China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) with several of the 15 participating SMEs also booking more orders aside from the onsite retail sales.

Lambino said fresh durian waspopular among the product offerings from the Philippines that had more than half of the sales at US$5.4M. It was followed by natural-based calamansi and energy drinks as well as banana chips, contributing more than US$1.0M each, he added.

The Philippine participation is part of the country’s long-standing friendly relations with China, the country’s top trading partner, he said.

Lambino also said it will host on June 7 the Awards for Promoting Philippines-China Understanding (APPCU) to honor Filipinos who contributed in building the good relations between the two nations.

Wei Zhaohui, Secretary General of the Secretariat of the China-ASEAN Expo receives the delegation of the Association for Philippines-China Understanding (APCU) led by Chairman Raul Lambino in Nanning, Guangxi Autonomous Region, China’s gateway to the ASEAN.

The two sides had in-depth discussion on the participation of the Philippines in the 21st China-ASEAN Expo in September promoting trade, cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

 

The Philippines is sending a five-member delegation to the 10th ASEAN-China Youth Exchange Festival in Nanning, Guangxi next week with a mission to call for peace in the region and the world.

Association for Philippines-China Understanding (APCU) Chairman Raul Lambino said Team Philippines will propose during the Young Leaders Forum the building of a network of young Asians to promote peace and the building of friendship and cooperation among all nations.

The future belongs to our children and we want our young people to live in a peaceful and harmonious societies free from war and violence in all of Asia and the whole world, he said.

The participation of Team Philippines in the 5-day event from May 20-24 was facilitated by APCU which will also simultaneously be sending a delegation to explore more people-to-people ties with China and the other ASEAN member nations.

Lambino described the youth festival as a good occasion for young leaders in Asia to come together, learn from one another and work together for the shared future of the peoples in the region.

The annual youth festival features thematic forum, cultural presentations, field trips to ancient and tourism sites and factory visits.

Lambino said aside from the 5 young Filipinos, who will be hosted by the Guangxi Autonomous Region, the APCU officers and business entrepreneurs joining are all paying for their own travel.

Last year, the youth festival was held successfully in Hubei Province.

The Association for Philippines-China Understanding (APCU) calls for more people-to-people exchange to bolster friendly ties among countries in Asia.

APCU Chairman Raul Lambino made the call during the visit of a delegation from Leshan City in Sichuan Province in China.

He said people-to-people relations are part of the pillars for stronger diplomatic relations among nations.

Personally escorting the visitors in their tour in Metro Manila, Pangasinan and Subic Freeport April 24-26, Lambino said the Chinese were impressed by the friendliness of the Filipino people.

They also admired the care for the environment noting the many green spaces in areas they visited, he added.

Lambino said the Leshan City delegation were here to establish cultural, educational and business ties in spite of heightened Sinophobia prevailing in the country.

That is the correct attitude, Lambino noted, setting aside the noise and continuing with the more vital factor of firming up our friendly relations.

He said from here the Leshan City delegation will visit Thailand.

He said APCU is at the forefront of building bridges of friendship and cooperation between the two countries as well as among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN.

He said APCU will send next month a delegation to the China-ASEAN Young Leaders Exchange Festival in Nanning, Guangxi Autonomous Region.

He said this annual event highlights China’s and ASEAN’s common commitment in developing friendship and cooperation in the region not only among young people but every facet of society.

Lambino said APCU is also involved in forging ties among schools, between local governments, chambers of commerce and cultural and civic organizations.

On June 7, APCU will hold the ceremonies of the 2024 Awards for Promoting Philippines-China Understanding (APPCU), recognizing outstanding Filipinos helping build friendship between the two countries.