Cebuanos had the opportunity to experience and enjoy the distinctive charm of Beijing Opera, with esteemed artists from China's Zhejiang Peking Opera and Kunqu Opera Art Center performing some of the most classic opera repertoires at Centerstage, SM Seaside last October 26. Friends from all walks of life, the Chinese community in Cebu and the Visayas region were treated to a form of art rarely seen in Cebu.

The Cebu Event of the Chinese Cultural Courier @ the Philippines was a moment of a lifetime made possible through the collaboration of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of the Philippines, the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Cebu, the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism of China, and the United Community of Cebu Filipino-Chinese Associations.

In a video message, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian said that as a brand name for people-to-people exchanges, the Chinese Cultural Courier @ the Philippines has attracted widespread attention from both countries with its themed cultural activities and opened another window for the Filipinos to understand better the Chinese culture and modern China.

Consul General Zhang Zhen, on her part, emphasized that China and the Philippines are close neighbors. They have a long-standing relationship of kinship and friendship. “Through people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges, we have learned to understand each other, to respect each other and to live together in harmony,” she added.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said the relationship between China and Cebu dates back beyond 1521 (arrival of Magellan in Cebu). He reaffirmed that Cebu City and the entire Cebu Province are one huge China town, a monument to the two governments' solid and long-standing relations.

Li Jiaxing, representing the United Community of Cebu-Filipino Chinese Associations, expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to offer a preview of Chinese culture with the Cebu audience through the Peking Opera and the Cebu Event of the Chinese Cultural Courier @ the Philippines.

The Zheijiang Peking Opera and Kunqu Opera Art Center gave the audience a glimpse of China's traditional and classical opera. The performers were received with enthusiastic applause and admiration from the audience. Consul General Zhang Zhen called the whole performance a a festival of colors, music, dance, literature, fine arts, martial arts, acrobatics and most importantly the shared values and aspirations between the Chinese and the Filipinos.

Upholding the “people-oriented” concept, China’s Consulate General in Cebu is committed to promote friendship and cooperation with local partners so as to bring tangible benefits to the local people, Consul General Zhang added when she was interviewed by the local media.

The cultural show was initiated by the Chinese Embassy in Manila in 2022 and has since then staged over eight (8) events featuring cultural performances from all over China and the Philippines. It was the first time for the event to be held outside of Manila.