By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.

MANILA — The Association for Philippines-China Understanding (APCU) on Wednesday (June 3) honored the 6th Laureates Award for Promoting Philippines-China Understanding (APPCU) at the Fiesta Pavilion of Manila Hotel.
The APPCU is a joint project of the APCU and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of the Philippines.
Launched on Jan. 16, 2021, by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the Award recognizes Filipinos who have dedicated their time and effort to strengthening the ties of friendship, understanding, and cooperation between the Philippines and China.
In his welcome remarks, APCU Vice Chairman and APPCU Committee Chairman Sixto Benedicto recognized the
Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan, and all the distinguished guests present.
Benedicto said “tonight we gather not only to celebrate, but to continue strengthening the relationship between China and the Philippines.”
“The APPCU recognizes Filipinos who have dedicated their lives in promoting cooperation, strengthening friendship and understanding between the Philippines and China,” he added.
Benedicto congratulated all the APPCU Awardees.
He expressed hope that the friendship, understanding and cooperation between the Philippines and China will remain strong.
Benito Techico, Special Envoy of the President to China, inducted the new APCU Officers and Members who compose the New Board of Trustees led by APCU Vice Chairman and APPCU Committee Chairman Sixto Benedicto and APCU Chairman and President Atty. Raul L. Lambino.
Lambino led the oathtaking of the new Members of APCU who are mostly young students of the University of the Philippines Diliman.
Lambino said that some of the young UP students have visited China and others will also visit Wachao, China on July 20, 2026.
In his inaugural address, APCU Chairman and President Atty. Raul L. Lambino said that he actually did not prepare a speech for tonight.
“It is my singular honor to be with you for the annual APCU event,” Lambino said.
Lambino can still recall that the APCU welcomed the first Covid-19 vaccines donated by China to the Philippines.
He noted that the APCU the mutual friendship and understanding between the Philippines and China have remained strong despite the global challenges.
Lambino said as of today, thanks large to Prof. Zhaodong for the tropical hybrid rice.
He cited the accomplishments of Dr. Carlos and Peter Leung Ng.
Lambino noted the untiring efforts of APCU through trials and trials.
“I can say tonight with certainty that we are now standing in a solid ground,” Lambino.
He announced the launch of the coffee table book pertaining to the 50 years of diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines.
In his remarks, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan said” I am honored to be with the celebration tonight.”
Jing has already visited 18 provinces in the Philippines.
“I want to visit the local people for friendship and cooperation,” Jing said.
He has visited Baguio City in an agricultural school where China technology has been utilized.
He has also visited Laguna province.
“I am impressed that Prof. Zhaodong has introduced hybrid tropical rice to bring good life in the local people,” Jing said.
He noted that many Filipino businessmen have asked them whether they can help them, especially in green energy.
Jing cited the many solar energy projects that can help the local people.
He cited the donation of China of anti-Covid-19 vaccines to the Philippines during the pandemic.
Jing said that China donated US$1 million in cash to the Philippines during the recent calamity brought about by typhoon.
“We encourage friendship to our neighbors,” Jing said.
He said that China donated rice to the victims of a recent fire in Manila.
“We donated at least 6 basketball courts,” he said.
Last Monday, Jing visited the Bantu Home in Barangay 767 in San Andres Bukid, Manila where children were taught Martial Arts and food were donated to the center.
“Since January this year, Chinese tourists to the Philippines increased to 63% percent compared last year,” Jing said.
He added that there are now more direct flights from the Philippines to China, especially from Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan and other places.
“We work very hard to boost people-to-people exchanges and invite more people to visit China,” Jing said.
He announced that they have arrested 16 criminal suspects in the Philippines and sent them back to China.
“Many people here have visited China, especially Zhandong,” Jing said.
Jing has already visited the Chinatown in Binondo, Manila for four times already.
He recalled that former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos was treated like a daughter by Chairman Mao Tsetung, who visited China in 1974-1975 with then President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr.
“It’s the right time. It’s the right thing.

Launching of the 2026 Awards for Promoting Philippines – China Understanding

Click here to nominate!

MANILA BULLETIN – Chairman and president of the Association for Philippines-China Understanding Inc. (APCU) Raul Lambino, together with Vice Chairman Sixto Benedicto and directors Joaquin Sy, Maffei Cai, Lily Tan Lim, and Brian James Yu, lead the launch of the 6th Award for Promoting Philippines-China Understanding (APPCU) 2026 at the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Inc. in Binondo, Manila, on Friday, March 6.

The annual award recognizes Filipinos who have significantly contributed to strengthening friendship and mutual understanding between the Philippines and China through their work in fields such as public service, media, business, and culture.

Golden Collective Ushers in the Lunar New Year with the Chibog Chow Festival

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

SEEN (from left) are APCU vice president Fernando Tiong, treasurer Gen. Ding Pace, immediate past president Sixto Benedicto, chairman and president Raul Lambino, Ambassador Jing, Ambassador Francis Chua, counsellor Ji and director Grey.

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

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