CONSULATE General of the People’s Republic of China in Davao

THE FIRST-EVER China Film Festival in Davao City officially opened on Friday, Nov. 7, at Cinema 3 of SM Cinema Davao, drawing enthusiastic crowds eager to experience a showcase of Chinese culture, artistry, and storytelling through the universal language of film.

The festival features a diverse lineup of five carefully selected films, spanning thought-provoking dramas, light-hearted comedies, and family-friendly features suitable for all ages. Admission to all screenings is free.

This year’s program highlights the global appeal of Chinese cinema, which in 2025 has continued to demonstrate strong viability in international exchange. Overseas box office revenue for Chinese films has reached $140 million U.S. dollars to date, surpassing the total for 2024. A total of 30 Chinese films have been released in various countries and regions, each earning more than $1 million in overseas revenue.

The opening film, Detective Chinatown 1900, captivated audiences with its blend of mystery, humor, and historical context set against the backdrop of early Chinese diaspora communities. Other titles in the lineup include the heartfelt family drama Successor, the uplifting comedy Viva La Vida, the high-octane action-comedy Pegasus 2, and the mind-bending sci-fi thriller Evacuate from the 21st Century.

Huang Yaping, counselor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of the Philippines, emphasized the festival’s role in cultural diplomacy. “Since its inauguration in 2022, the China Film Festival has brought over 20 outstanding productions to audiences in the Philippines, offering an opportunity to encounter Chinese narratives and perspectives through the language of cinema,” she said.

Consul General of China in Davao Zhao Xiuzhen expressed deep appreciation for the collaborative efforts of the China Film Administration, the Film Development Council of the Philippines, the China Film Archive, the China Film Art Research Center, and SM Supermalls in organizing this festival.

“The friendship between China and the Philippines requires not only official exchanges but also closeness, understanding, and mutual recognition among ordinary people. Cultural exchange takes many forms, and film stands out as a particularly unique medium,” she added.

Davao City Councilor Myrna Dalodo Ortiz echoed the sentiment of unity and shared values. “This event embodies that same spirit by embracing the diversity of cultures, affirming our collective commitment to peace, understanding, and collaboration,” she remarked.

The China Film Festival runs through the weekend of Nov. 7–9 at SM Cinema Davao.

THE CONSULATE General of the People’s Republic of China in Davao, alongside the local Chinese community, turned over P4 million worth of relief goods to Davao Oriental on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, to aid residents affected by the recent earthquake.

The relief supplies were formally handed over to Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang by Deputy Consul General Wang Mingqing during a ceremony at the provincial capitol gymnasium in Mati, which is currently operating as the Incident Command Post (ICP).

The Chinese Consulate General’s donation, which included emergency food supplies such as rice and canned beef, was transported via four large trucks. The Consulate General (ConGen) is set to oversee the distribution of these goods to affected communities across the province.

Diplomatic and community support

Deputy Consul General Wang Mingqing expressed his solidarity with the province during the turnover.

“It is with sadness that we learned of the tragic earthquakes in Davao Oriental today. The Filipino-Chinese community in Davao City brought some relief goods for the people here,” Mingqing said. “During this difficult time, we are confident that under the wise leadership of Governor Dayanghirang, the people of Davao Oriental will be reborn soon.”

Meanwhile, Nelson Chua, a former president of the Davao Filipino-Chinese community, confirmed that his group also contributed significantly to the relief effort at the same time.

“The Davao Filipino-Chinese community has been in Davao for more than 20 years. Our work here is, for example, if there are fires—not just in Davao City but across the Davao region—we truly support and provide help. We also support scholars in Davao City,” Chua said.

He specified the contents of their aid: “What we brought earlier in one ten-wheeler truck were entirely rice, sardines, noodles, juice, coffee, and various other items.”

Chua added that the group had already been in Davao Oriental since Oct. 12, inspecting the towns of Manay and Tarragona before giving assistance. “We inspected and visited the area first, and I saw houses that were damaged, some totally destroyed, so we decided we must really help.”

Provincial distribution plan

Governor Dayanghirang detailed how the provincial government plans to utilize the assistance received, highlighting key areas of need.

In an interview regarding the update on the distribution of assistance, the governor said:

“We will allocate the medicines in the province to our district hospitals here in Davao Oriental. We allocated a large portion [of the aid] to the water system in the Municipality of Manay because, as of now, there is still no water there. The rest we allocated for fuel because the delivery of supplies is ongoing, and some we are using for funeral assistance for those who died, and for food assistance.”

Photo courtesy of Rhoda Grace B Saron

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CONSULATE General of the People’s Republic of China in Davao

WANDERLUST | China Film Festival opens at SM Davao

China’s consulate, local Chinese community deliver P4-M in relief to quake-hit Davao Oriental