June 9, sponsored by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and Federation of Filipino-Chinese Associations of the Philippines, the Cultural Gala in celebration of the 33 years of China-Philippines Diplomatic Relations and the Sino-Fil Friendship Day was held at PICC. House Speaker Nograles, Sen. Angara, UnSec. Benedicto, congressional spouse foundation members, diplomatic corp., and Filipino-Chinese representatives from all walks of life, totaling around 2,000, attended the Gala.

At the beginning of the Gala, all guests shared a moment of silence for the Sichuan Earthquake victims. The national anthems of the two countries and the Sino-Fil Friendship Song were presented by local chorus. Speeches were delivered by Ambassador Song Tao, Speaker Nograles, Sen. Angara and Unsec. Benedicto.

Ambassador Song valued the fast development of China-Philippine relations as well as the abundant fruits achieved by bilateral exchange and cooperation in various sectors during the recent years, and expressed his confidence in the future development of the China-Philippines relations. Ambassador Song highly appreciated the sympathy and support extended by the Philippine government and people towards China after the Sichuan Quake, highly evaluated the Filipino-Chinese community' love and sentiment towards the motherland that was shown in its efforts of supporting the quake relief of China, as well as its positive and crucial role in promoting the traditional friendship between China and the Philippines.

In his speech, Speaker recalled the long history of communication between China and the Philippines and the traditional friendship between the two peoples, ascertained that the friendship stands the test of time and will achieve further development and advancement. UnSec. Benedicto delivered the remarks of Sec. Romulo, who  fully acknowledged the recent-year development of China-Philippine relations, expressed appreciation towards the support and help offered by China to RP when needed, and highly valued the Chinese government's measures addressing the earthquake disaster.

The artists of Jiangsu Chinese National Dance Troupe and their local counterparts work together and delivered a high-level Gala featured with combined cultural and art elements of the two countries, including the authentic Filipino music and dance, well-known Chinese folk song "Taihumei", Wuxi Opera "Art of Using the Sleeves", and eyes-catching Magic and Acrobat shows. The seamless collaboration between the Chinese and Philippine artists, as well as the echoing and rebounding effects produced by both the Chinese and Philippine cultures overwhelmed every spectator, enhanced the atmosphere to climax, and thus poured the China-Philippine friendship into everyone's heart.