Chinese New Year performance dazzles Philippines

A performance themed on Beautiful China · Scenic Guangxi was staged at the Cultural Center of the Philippines on Feb 25 to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

A variety of operas on the playbill showcased bronze drums, embroidered balls, Zhuang brocade, ballads, and other Guangxi folk items to Filipino audience against the backdrop of Guangxi's picturesque natural scenery.

The Caidiao Opera Liu Sanjie is performed during the event [Photo/cri.cn]

Martin Andanar, secretary of the Presidential Communications Office of the Philippines, said that the exquisite performances perfectly encapsulate the beauty of Chinese culture and art, which far exceeded his expectations.

Martin Andanar (C), secretary of the Presidential Communications Office of the Philippines, poses for a group photo with performers. [Photo/cri.cn]

Prior to the cultural performance, a myriad of activities including lantern-riddle solving, spring-couplet writing, and yuanshao (glutinous rice balls) sampling were held to showcase Chinese New Year customs.

The event was co-organized by the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines, the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Associations of the Philippines, and the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

It not only taught the Philippines about Guangxi's ethnic culture, but also helped enhance cultural exchanges between the two countries, said Choy Chi Ho, chairman of the federation.

A Chinese painting of a jasmine flower and a challigraphic work are gifted to the audience during the performance. [Photo/cri.cn]