Amb FlorCruz: ‘Films And Filmmaking Is Diplomacy’

Amb Jaime FlorCruz; The 19th Spring Film Festival Gala was held at Shangri-La Plaza Mall’s Grand Atrium, January 31, 2025. Photo by Jude Bautista

Written and photographed

By Jude Bautista

“Films and filmmaking is diplomacy. It’s a vital tool for diplomacy using visual art to tell stories, typically based on human experience, emotion, imagination and creativity that transcend geographic, cultural, ideological and political boundaries. That is why I am distinctly honored and pleased to attend today’s 19^th Spring Film Festival,” said Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime Flor Cruz in a speech during the gala of the 19^th Spring Film Festival at the Grand Atrium of Shangri-La Plaza Mall last January 31, 2025.

From left: Amb Jaime FlorCruz and Ricardo Leong; The 19th Spring Film Festival Gala was held at Shangri-La Plaza Mall’s Grand Atrium, January 31, 2025. Photo by Jude Bautista

FlorCruz continued, “I applaud the FDCP (Film Development Council of the Philippines) and the Ricardo Leong Center for Chinese Studies for Co-organizing this very special festival. It is our common goal to deepen understanding of China. And to promote amity between the Philippines and China. Through these films and film festivals, we are able to provide local moviegoers films of China and their life and culture in their society, within and outside China.”

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From Activist, Journalist to Singing Ambassador

FlorCruz was once a student activist against Pres. Ferdinand Marcos. And was exiled in China, 1971. With his perseverance he was able to gain a mastery of Mandarin (and because of his fluency in English) eventually became Bureau Chief for TIME Magazine and later on CNN. During his 2016 retirement, was the longest serving foreign correspondent working in China (40 Years). In 2022, President Bong Bong Marcos appointed him as Philippine Ambassador to China.

3rd from right: Amb Jaime FlorCruz, from right: ADMU Pres. Fr. Bobby Yap, Ana FlorCruz, Ricardo Leong, Dr. Rosita Leong, Gabby Lopez, Dr. Dr. Czarina Saloma-Akpedonu and Phil. Cultural College VP Sining Kotah. The 19th Spring Film Festival Gala was held at Shangri-La Plaza Mall’s Grand Atrium, January 31, 2025. Photo by Jude Bautista

Amb FlorCruz also managed to delight audiences singing Chinese classic THE MOON REPRESENTS MY HEART’ -月亮代表我的心 Singing the first 3 verses in Mandarin and his own translation to Filipino in the next 3 choruses which garnered stirring applause from the crowd. According to him, he wrote the translation at the height of lockdowns of the pandemic. Retitling it in Filpino: SALAMIN NG BUWAN ANG DAMDAMIN.

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In attendance during the 19^th Spring Film Festival gala were Ricardo Leong, Dr. Rosita Leong (founders of the Ricardo Leong Center for Chinese Studies and organizers of the Spring Film Fest), Ateneo De Manila President Fr Roberto Yap, FDCP Chair and CEO Jose Javier Reyes, Shangri-La Plaza Operations Head Johnny Rios, ADMU Deans: Dr. Manuel Dayrit, Dr. Czarina Saloma-Akpedonu, Teresita Ang See, Fr. Jose Cruz and Johnip Koa among others.

From left: Shangri-La Plaza Operations Head Johnny Rios and FDCP Chairman and CEO Joey Reyes. The 19th Spring Film Festival Gala was held at Shangri-La Plaza Mall’s Grand Atrium, January 31, 2025. Photo by Jude Bautista

Shangri-La Plaza Mall Golden Dragon at the Grand Atrium towers above the XAVIER DRAGON AND LION DANCE Team. The 19th Spring Film Festival Gala was held at Shangri-La Plaza Mall’s Grand Atrium, January 31, 2025. Photo by Jude Bautista

Next Generation of Movers And Shakers

In his speech, Ateneo De Manila University President Fr. Roberto Yap said, “As an educational institution Ateneo de Manila welcomes and values opportunities like this. Which are essential in nurturing the next generation of leaders, movers and shakers. To actively promote, celebrate and engage in a world rooted in mutual respect, understanding, harmony and cooperation.”

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“On behalf of the Ateneo De Manila including the Dr Rosita J. Leong School of Social Sciences, The Ricardo Leong Center for Chinese Studies, Ateneo Celadon and the Ricardo Leong Institute for Global and Area Studies, I would like to thank Shangri-La Plaza, RED CARPET cinemas, the Film Development Council of the Philippines for helping us and graciously organize this year’s film festival. I hope you enjoy this celebration of Chinese creativity and ingenuity,” added Fr. Bobby.

ADMU Pres. Fr. Bobby Yap; The 19th Spring Film Festival Gala was held at Shangri-La Plaza Mall’s Grand Atrium, January 31, 2025. Photo by Jude Bautista

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The Spring Film Festival at Shang

The 19^th Spring Film festival features some of the best Chinese movies you can watch in theaters, absolutely free of charge. Starting from January 29 to February 2 at RED CARPET CINEMAS, lookout for the freshest titles from Chinese cinema.

Watch the best Chinese movies for free at the 19th Spring Film Festival, RED CARPET Cinemas Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Jan 29-Feb 2, 2025

Chow Yun Fat is back in ONE MORE CHANCE, Andy Lau stars in FIND YOUR VOICE, WHERE’S THE DRAGON? The voice cast is led by Zhang Zhi Yi and Wang Lee hom considered to be the King of Chinese Pop and SOMEWHERE WINTER a generational love story with Taiwanese superstar Wallace Huo and award winning actress Sichun Ma.

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The Spring Film Festival has grown through the years to become a whole cultural experience that highlights the Chinese history, arts and way of life. With a CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHOP, Chinese Music Concert, featuring traditional instruments and dances. And a

cultural bazaar, will all from February 1-2 at the Grand Atrium of Shang Plaza Mall. For more details log on to https://www.facebook.com/SpringFilmFestival

XAVIER DRAGON AND LION DANCE Team; The 19th Spring Film Festival Gala was held at Shangri-La Plaza Mall’s Grand Atrium, January 31, 2025. Photo by Jude Bautista

Chinese New Year Celebration at Gloria Maris, Greenhills, Jan 29, 2025. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Global Narratives Thrive at Shang

Shangri-La Plaza Operations Head Johnny Rios in his speech said, “Over the years this festival has become a cherished tradition at Shangri-LaPlaza. Offering audiences a way to celebrate Chinese culture through the power of film. The Spring film festival continues to serve as a window into the rich storytelling and artistic heritage of Chinese filmmakers.”

Shangri-La Plaza Operations Head Johnny Rios; The 19th Spring Film Festival Gala was held at Shangri-La Plaza Mall’s Grand Atrium, January 31, 2025. Photo by Jude Bautista

Rios continued by lauding Chinese cinema and other movies from around the world all exhibited in Shang, “This year’s line-up promises to captivate, inspire and transport us into stories that reflect the heart and soul of Chinese cinema. We are certain these films will leave a lasting impression in all who experience them. At RED CARPET Cinemas we take pride in being the premiere destination for world cinema in the Philippines.”

Andy Lau stars in FIND YOUR VOICE; Watch the best Chinese movies for free at the 19th Spring Film Festival, RED CARPET Cinemas Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Jan 29-Feb 2, 2025

“Through strong partnerships with embassies, cultural organizations and film festivals, we have built a space where global narratives thrive. And movie goers experience everything from blockbuster spectacles to even gems from around the world.”

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Chinese New Year Celebration at Gloria Maris, Greenhills, Jan 29, 2025. Photo by Jude Bautista (20)

JFF & Robinsons Movieworld CNY Fest

Almost simultaneous to the 19^th Spring Film Fest is the launch of the Japanese Film Festival. The JFF started in RED CARPET Cinemas from January 30 but will move on to SM City Baguio (Feb 7) and SM City IloIlo and SM Seaside Cebu (Feb 14) and SM City Davao (Feb 14) and SM North Edsa (Feb 21).

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XAVIER DRAGON AND LION DANCE Team; The 19th Spring Film Festival Gala was held at Shangri-La Plaza Mall’s Grand Atrium, January 31, 2025. Photo by Jude Bautista

Depth of Chinoy Culture

FDCP Chair and CEO Joey Reyes in his speech believed cinema is a force for understanding, “Somebody mentioned Film as soft force in understanding culture. I dare to disagree. Film is a very potent force in completely immersing yourself in cultural understanding.

FDCP Chairman and CEO Joey Reyes; The 19th Spring Film Festival Gala was held at Shangri-La Plaza Mall’s Grand Atrium, January 31, 2025. Photo by Jude Bautista

Film is a powerful tool for us to understand our Chinese brothers and for our Chinese brothers to understand us. Considering the length of history that we have shared together it is so sad that very little has been dedicated in filmmaking to bring us together and lend a greater understanding.”

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He added that films also help us understand ourselves, “I think it is more than just FEUNG SHUI or the MANO PO series which really show the world and depth of Chinoy culture. This is a level we should explore, for a greater understanding not only of the Chinese but who we are as Filipinos.”

Chinese New Year Celebration at Gloria Maris, Greenhills, Jan 29, 2025. Photo by Jude Bautista

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From left: FDCP Chairman and CEO Joey Reyes and ADMU Pres. Fr Bobby Yap. The 19th Spring Film Festival Gala was held at Shangri-La Plaza Mall’s Grand Atrium, January 31, 2025. Photo by Jude Bautista

Blue Eagles and Green Archers

Reyes spoke of academic loyalty overcome by a mutual goal, “Lastly, maraming salamat Ateneo for doing something like this. It is not enough that you study Chinese culture. What is important is you immerse yourself in understanding the tenets of Chinese culture. And what better way than through film? I find myself in a really amusing situation right now. Which goes to prove any study of any culture regarding the Filipino knows no brand of university. I too am an academician. I am a professor of Dela Salle University and I take great pride in standing here on stage with Ateneans sharing our love for China!”

XAVIER DRAGON AND LION DANCE Team; The 19th Spring Film Festival Gala was held at Shangri-La Plaza Mall’s Grand Atrium, January 31, 2025. Photo by Jude Bautista

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50 Years of PH and China Diplomatic Relations

Amb FlorCruz also talked about celebrating an important milestone, “Now this year, the Year of the Snake, is quite a special year. For us in the Philippine Embassy in China, the Consulate’s General in different Parts of China: Beijing, Chongching, Guangzho, Hong Kong, Macau, Shanghai and Xiamen. This year 2025, marks the 50^th anniversary of the establishment of Diplomatic relations between the Republic of the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China. And to commemorate this milestone, we have lined up activities that highlight not just the past 50 years, but centuries of exchanges between our two countries.”

Amb Jaime FlorCruz; The 19th Spring Film Festival Gala was held at Shangri-La Plaza Mall’s Grand Atrium, January 31, 2025. Photo by Jude Bautista

He made note of the historical Filipino sites, “Many of you are aware of the Tomb of the Sultan of Sulu in Dezhou, Shandong Province. And the towering Rizal monument in Jinjiang, the Southern City Fujian. Both structures and the stories of the two historical figures are enduring testaments to centuries of exchanges between Philippines and China.”

From right: Amb. Jaime FlorCruz, friend, Dr. Manuel Dayrit, Ana FlorCruz and Myrna Yao. The 19th Spring Film Festival Gala was held at Shangri-La Plaza Mall’s Grand Atrium, January 31, 2025. Photo by Jude Bautista

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#Made IT in China

Perhaps because of FlorCruz’ own success story in China, he thought of searching for kababayans who flourished there as well, “In our part we too have started to gather and amplify stories that may give a glimpse of the life of Filipinos in China. Among other activities we have planned this year we are now putting up a series of stories #madeitinChina , NOT made in China but MADE-it-IN-CHINA. This project seeks to celebrate the triumphs of Filipinos. Ordinary citizens doing extraordinary deeds, who have made China their second home. Because there they have found their thriving career niche.”

For more info Log on to
Philippine embassy website. https://beijingpe.dfa.gov.ph/
PH Emb fb: https://www.facebook.com/phlinchina/

“For details please check out our Philippine embassy website. https://beijingpe.dfa.gov.ph/

We are very proud of the PhilComms in China. Artists, painters, musicians, teachers, coaches, chess coaches, boxing coach, students, scholars, many. We are very proud of them.

We need your help and collaboration just as you are doing now.

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Thank You Ricardo Leong Center

Amb Flor Cruz thanked organizations, “The Ricardo Leong Center for Chinese Studies, one of the groups in the Philippines as well as others like the KAISA CENTER, with the leadership and friendship of Teresita Ang See, the Philippine Association for Chinese Studies and many others. They all contribute to the better understanding of China here in the Philippines.”

From left: Melody Hwang, Dr. Rosita Leong, Myrna Yao, Teresita Ang See. The 19th Spring Film Festival Gala was held at Shangri-La Plaza Mall’s Grand Atrium, January 31, 2025. Photo by Jude Bautista

“I hope the movies we are going to see will provide movie goers, a better understanding of the various aspects of China and its people. Beyond the generic and the stale. Beyond the stereo typical and the one dimensional. And to the inspiring moviemakers among you, perhaps you can find inspiration, a eureka moment, among the #MadeitinChina profiles. Stories of outstanding fellow Filipinos in China. Happy Year of the Snake!”

The 19th Spring Film Festival Gala was held at Shangri-La Plaza Mall’s Grand Atrium, January 31, 2025. Photo by Jude Bautista

XAVIER DRAGON AND LION DANCE Team perform for Ricardo Leong and Dr. Rosita Leong. The 19th Spring Film Festival Gala was held at Shangri-La Plaza Mall’s Grand Atrium, January 31, 2025. Photo by Jude Bautista

For more info Log on to
Philippine embassy website. https://beijingpe.dfa.gov.ph/
PH Emb fb: https://www.facebook.com/phlinchina/

Sources:

https://www.facebook.com/phlinchina/

http://thediarist.ph/jaime-florcruz-i-am-a-filipino-who-found-myself-in-troubled-china/

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/09/24/2387422/exile-ambassador-how-philippines-jaime-florcruz-sees-chinas-future

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Dr. Czarina Saloma-Akpedonu; The 19th Spring Film Festival Gala was held at Shangri-La Plaza Mall’s Grand Atrium, January 31, 2025. Photo by Jude Bautista

From right: Dr. Rosita Leong, Ricardo Leong, Joanna Pfaff, Dr. Czarina Saloma-Akpedonu, Surinder Jodhkr, Ravinder Kaur, Viayasagar Sharma and Prof. David Gellner. The 19th Spring Film Festival Gala was held at Shangri-La Plaza Mall’s Grand Atrium, January 31, 2025. Photo by Jude Bautista

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