Minnan Dialect and Nostalgia Draw Tears from Overseas Chinese

          On March 24, a "music and dance drama" with distinctive Minnan features was staged at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Manila, drawing tears from Chinese and overseas Chinese.The event was planned by Xiamen Port Holding Group Co.

          This event brought by a Minnan cultural and tourism exchange delegation who came to Manila in a passenger liner on March 24, "The Passion of Minnan Culture on Maritime Silk Road - Cultural Tourism Celebrations of Xiamen, China".

          Luo Gang, Counselor and Consul-general of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Philippines, attended the exchange event. Fujian has been a window for exchange since ancient times, Minnan culture has been deeply rooted in Southeast Asian countries and the Minnan people have made indelible contributions to the economic and social development of the Philippines, said Luo Gang. He added that there are some 1.10 million Chinese and overseas Chinese in the Philippines, more than 80% of whom are descendants of the Minnan people, and the culture and arts exchange delegation staging performances in the Philippines will not only bring more cooperation opportunities to the countries along the Belt and Road, but make contributions to the friendly exchange between the peoples of China and the Philippines.

          The delegation also played a publicity video around the unique charming scenery of Xiamen. Receiving high praise from the audience, especially the Chinese and overseas Chinese. "We are very proud of Xiamen for its great changes and fast development," said Domingo Yap, President of Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry lnc.

          The ship route to Southeast Asian countries will be continuously expanded on the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. According to Erwin Balane, Head of Route Development Philippine Department of Tourism, the number of Chinese tourists visiting the Philippines in the first two months of this year grew by 56.44% YoY to 256,880. The cruise from Xiamen to Southeast Asian countries will further lead to win-win results.

          Xiamen Port Holding Group Co. will promote the early regular operation of the Southeast Asia cruise route, explore the new external communication model "cruise + culture", and rapidly improve the strength and international influence of the Xiamen cruise industry, so that it becomes a strong platform to boost the Belt and Road construction of Xiamen.