In a grand celebration of the Dragon Boat Festival, the Taiwanese Association of the Philippines hosted a festive luncheon on June 1 in Manila, drawing nearly 500 guests and filling 40 banquet tables.
The event was marked by the presence of prominent dignitaries from Taiwan and the Philippines, underscoring the strong bonds between the two nations and the unity of the Taiwanese community.
Among the special guests who flew in from Taiwan were Legislators Tsai, Chi-Chang, Lin, Chu-Yin, Taipei City Councilor Hung, Wan-jen, New Taipei City Councilor Tai, Wei-Shan, Taichung City Councilor Shih, Chih-Chang, and former Taichung Deputy Mayor Chen, Ta-Chun.
Their presence highlighted the significance of this cultural occasion and the enduring friendship between Taiwan and the Filipino-Taiwanese community.
Taiwan Ambassador to the Philippines Wallace Minn-Gan Chow, praised the leadership of Association President Tomas Pai for his efforts in uniting the local Taiwanese community.
In his remarks, Ambassador Chow also congratulated the newly established Federation of Filipino Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce, expressing hope that the organization will become a key platform for advancing Taiwan-Philippines trade and economic cooperation.
Legislator Tsai, Chi-Chang encouraged overseas Taiwanese entrepreneurs to balance business success with soft diplomacy, stating, “We must make money, but we must also do diplomacy.”
He presented symbolic gifts — a commemorative baseball, jersey, and bat — to the association’s leadership, representing Taiwan’s strong baseball spirit and team unity.
First-time visitor to the Philippines, Legislator Lin, Chu-yin, was deeply moved by the hospitality of the Filipino-Taiwanese community, describing the celebration as one of the most heartwarming overseas events she had ever attended.
Also in attendance was Chairperson Cheloy Garafil of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO), who opened her remarks with humor, sharing how she learned about the Dragon Boat Festival through Google.
She commended the longstanding friendship between Taiwan and the Philippines and thanked the Taiwanese community for their continued support of local Filipino causes.
Chairperson Garafil expressed interest in fostering cooperation between business groups in both countries, aiming to create new avenues for bilateral engagement.
President Tomas Pai emphasized in his address that the Dragon Boat Festival is a meaningful occasion for reunion among Taiwanese people. He extended his gratitude to all guests and partners who supported the event.
On behalf of the association, former President Andrew Liang presented a plaque of appreciation to newly appointed Overseas Community Affairs Council Member Simon Su for his long-standing commitment to philanthropy and education, especially in supporting underprivileged Filipino students in pursuing higher education in Taiwan.
President Pai also shared that the association had recently rejoined the World Federation of Taiwanese Associations (WFTA) during a trip to Taiwan in April, hoping the Philippines could one day host the organization’s global presidency and cultivate more young Taiwanese leaders abroad.
A special video presentation highlighting the “Taiwan Can Help” charity walk — held on May 3 with the participation of over a thousand attendees — was featured during the event.
The video documented the distribution of relief packages and showcased Taiwan’s compassion and contributions to the international community, earning warm applause from attendees.
The event concluded with the presentation of certificates of appreciation, gift exchanges, and an unveiling ceremony for the new business federation, wrapping up the celebration in a spirit of unity and goodwill.
Distinguished guests also included Overseas Community Affairs Council Commissioners Ya-Hui Huang, Jaime Tan, Yi-Ho Hsieh, and Simon Su; former Taiwanese Association of the Philippines president Kuo-Chen Wu; Supervisory Chair Chun-Ting Wu; MECO Board Members Wilson Tecson and Tomas Macalinga Guno; Anti-Red Tape Authority Secretary Ernesto Perez; Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Director Elizer S. Salilig; Minister Michael Ting-Sheng Lee and Director Emilu Shao of TECO; and Director Eric Po-Chih Chuang and Deputy Director Benjamin Chung-Wei Liang of the Culture Center of TECO in the Philippines.
Ambassador Wallace Chow and MECO Chairperson Cheloy Garafil pose with members of the Taiwanese Association of the Philippines during the Dragon Boat Festival celebration in Manila.
Unveiling ceremony of the Federation of Filipino Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce, with Andrew Liang (fifth from left) appointed as the inaugural chairman.
Former President of the Taiwanese Association of the Philippines, Andrew Liang, presents a commemorative plaque to former President Simon Su in recognition of his service.
President Tomas Pai of the Taiwanese Association of the Philippines presents a certificate of appreciation to a member for supporting the May 3 “WHA Support Walk” event.
Premier Cho Jung-Tai of the Executive Yuan of Taiwan presents a congratulatory scroll to mark the establishment of the Federation of Filipino Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce.
