Beijing: The presence of countless Filipino professionals in China, from an executive who trained numerous hotel staffers since 1990 to a couple who founded the first international school in Xiamen, reflects Beijing and Manila's strong people-to-people exchanges over the decades. In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Philippines-China diplomatic relations on June 9, the Philippine Embassy in Beijing said it hopes to highlight these ties and showcase how Filipinos help create connections and mutual understanding between the two countries.

According to Philippines News Agency, Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime FlorCruz emphasized the importance of ordinary Filipinos who reside in China, referring to them as goodwill ambassadors. 'They show that China is a place where Filipinos can find their chosen careers, thrive, and succeed. As they succeed, they also contribute to their respective fields and communities. And, while doing so, they build connections of friendship and mutual understanding between our two peoples,' he said in a statement.

The online series, which ran from January to June, covered more than 50 overseas Filipinos, such as Rodrido Camposagrado, a hotelier who trained hotel personnel in Beijing when China was starting to open up to the world; and the couple Roman and Mildred Go, who established the Manila Xiamen International School, the first of its kind in the Fujian port city. It also features Dr. Karen Tagulao, a marine biologist who championed mangrove conservation in Macau SAR.

In a separate interview with the Philippine News Agency, FlorCruz said the embassy hopes to continue developing the bright spots in Philippine-China relations, especially the people-to-people links. 'While there are maritime-related issues between the two countries, these challenges are not the entirety of our relations,' he said. 'We continue to move forward and look at the bright spots in our relations. One example is people-to-people exchanges, which we highlight in this year's commemorative activities.'