Beijing, China — In connection with the Philippines’ chairmanship of the ASEAN Committee in Beijing (ACB), the Philippine Embassy in Beijing hosted the ASEAN Family Day on September 7, 2019 at the Embassy grounds.
The Ambassadors, Chargés d’ Affaires, as well as staff from the Embassies of ASEAN Member States and their family members attended and participated in the activity.
In his remarks, Ambassador to China Jose Santiago L. Sta. Romana underscored the activity’s objective of promoting camaraderie among the diplomats and family members of the ASEAN Embassies.
“We have a diverse culture, but through the ASEAN Community we have been able to weave this diversity into a colorful panoply of unity. This is because, despite some differences, in our hearts we are the same: We love family, we love food, and we love music,” Ambassador Sta. Romana said.
The Embassy organized a singing contest with a musical live band accompaniment, which served as the highlight of the activity. Seven groups of performers from the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore showcased their musical talents to an audience of more than 150 people.
Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing music professor Chen Ziming, Beijing Dance Academy professor Han Xiaotong of the, ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) Secretariat, Deputy Director Wang Ziquan and Beijing-based singer/composer Lampel Joy Solis served as judges for the singing competition.
Ambassador Sta. Romana and Malaysian Ambassador to China Raja Dato’ Nushirwan Zainal Abidin awarded the winners of the singing competition, which included Singapore for first place, the Philippines for second place and Indonesia for third place.
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For more information, visit https://www.beijingpe.dfa.gov.ph.