Chinese art group to perform in cultural show in Ilocos Norte

February 11, 2017 Provincial

LAOAG CITY, ILOCOS NORTE – An art group from Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China will be performing in Ilocos Norte on February 16 as part of the China-Philippines Cultural Festival.
The festival allows for cultural exchange between Chinese and Filipinos, promoting greater cooperation and strengthening relations between the countries.
Quanzhou City is known as the birthplace of the “liyuanxi” regional opera tradition and home of the Quanzhou Art Institute, an institution devoted to the preservation and innovation of culture and training of quality talents towards the Chinese art industry’s socio-economic development.
Groups on chartered flights coming from Shenzhen and Guangzhou in Guangdong Province have earlier performed in Ilocos Norte.
Chinese Consul Mme. Wang Jianqun told the Ilocos Norte provincial government this week that “the Consulate is starting today, working for the upcoming performance. “I am sure the art group will give a wonderful show to Governor [Imee R. Marcos], other officials, and the local people as well.”
Governor Imee Marcos, the Chinese Consulate has been Ilocos Norte’s “constant partners in sustainable and inclusive progress… in boosting agriculture, education, and our tourism industry.”
“The show will be close to the hearts of every one who is very keen on Chinese culture and the entire Asian heritage.”
She is also confident that it would help “sustain the spirit of harmony between our two nations.”
Ilocos Norte had been anticipating an influx of Chinese tourists for 2017, saying it is China’s tourism year in the ASEAN and that “already, hundreds have booked to come to Ilocos Norte. “Dagsa-dagsang turista mula Tsina ang darating,” beamed Gov. Marcos. “We will welcome you to Ilocos Norte with open arms, hopeful that the spring, as the New Year, will indeed bring a new light and a new birth. Ace Alegre / ABN