Philippine-China Ties discussed over pan de sal: Awards, Youth, and a Movie Proposal
A different kind of bread was being broken last Saturday: the delicate, often contentious, issue of Philippine-Chinese relations.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs should be the primary voice on foreign policy, not the Department of National Defense or the Coast Guard,” declared Atty. Raul Lambino, his voice firm. He spoke of traditional friendships, of a need to build, not break, bridges. “We should work more closely with China to advance Philippine progress.” And then, a spark, a sudden shift in tone: “I propose a major film project on the Sulu Sultan’s historic visit to Beijing. Senator Robin Padilla would be perfect for the lead.”
Sixto Benedicto, nodding in agreement, added, “We need multi-sectoral participation in the APPCU nominations and the youth essay competition.” The call was clear: involvement from all corners of society.
The conversation deepened, history unfurling like an old map. “We have over 1,000 years of documented friendship and trade with China, predating Western colonization by five centuries,” Dr. Rommel Banlaoi reminded the room. “We need to address the rise of ‘Sinophobia’ in the Philippines, a legacy of colonial biases, and return to peaceful coexistence.” His words carried the weight of ages, a plea for understanding against a backdrop of rising tensions.
Dr. Lucio Pitlo III, his brow furrowed, posed a pointed question. “Has the Marcos administration’s aggressive transparency strategy compelled China to concede to Philippine territorial claims?” He paused, then continued, “We should prioritize diplomacy and economic cooperation over sensationalizing territorial disputes, which could deter international tourists and investors.” He spoke of pragmatic choices, of the need to balance national interests with broader realities.
George Cham, a civic leader, offered a simple, powerful perspective. “China’s rise is not a miracle but a return to its historical status as a global superpower.” He echoed the sentiment of others, calling for stronger agricultural and economic ties to drive Philippine progress.
Beyond the weighty discussions of diplomacy and geopolitics, a parallel narrative emerged: the promise of youth engagement. The APCU’s national essay-writing competition, aimed at 18 to 20-year-olds, offered a tangible opportunity for the next generation to grapple with these complex issues. Thirty winners would journey to Fujian and Guangdong, a chance to see firsthand the land that had been both friend and, more recently, foe.
And then, the film project, a potential cultural touchstone. A revival of a story from the 1980s, a tale of a Sulu Sultan and a Ming Dynasty Emperor. “Senator Robin Padilla,” Lambino reiterated, “with creative freedom to choose the actresses portraying the Sulu Sultan’s three wives.” The idea hung in the air, a blend of history and Hollywood, a potential bridge between past and present.
The gathering at Kamuning Bakery Café was a snapshot of a nation wrestling with its identity, its history, and its future. The questions posed were not easily answered, but the voices, the stories, and the initiatives were a clear sign of a society determined to find its way forward.
