The Malabon City government celebrated the city's rich cultural heritage and strengthened solidarity with the Chinese community during the second Malabon Filipino-Chinese Cultural Festival held at the Robinsons Townmall-Malabon on Feb. 28.
In photo: Mayor Jeannie Sandoval, Counsellor Ji LingPeng, Ph.D., from the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines, City Administrator Dr. Alexander Rosete, former Congressman Ricky Sandoval, officials from the Malabon Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) and the Philippine Malabon Cultural Institute (PMCI) pose for a photo op during the festival (Photo by Hannah Nicol/MANILA BULLETIN)
The event was led by Mayor Jeannie Sandoval together with Counsellor Ji LingPeng, Ph.D., from the Chinese Embassy, officials from the Malabon Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) and the Philippine Malabon Cultural Institute (PMCI), and City Administrator Dr. Alexander Rosete.
"Tonight, we are witnessing a joyful celebration of the vibrant relationship between the people of Malabon and the Chinese community. Through this event, we aim to further strengthen our collaboration toward a better and more progressive life in Malabon," Sandoval said.
Mayor Jeannie Sandoval (Photo by Hannah Nicol/MANILA BULLETIN)
The city’s Public Information Office said that the festival featured a variety of activities designed to foster cultural exchange, understanding, and community unity.
These included traditional performances, art and handicraft exhibitions, and food showcases that highlighted the shared history and traditions of both communities.
The event served as a platform to honor the contributions of the Filipino-Chinese community to local culture while strengthening their bonds of friendship and cooperation.
It featured cultural performances, art and food exhibits, and a showcase of Chinese traditions such as the lion dance, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. Performers included the Northern Rizal Yorklin High School Wushu Team, Tanghalang Bagong Sibol, Mandarin Choir Group, and the Hiyas ng Sining Folkloric Dance Troupe.
The city also honored individuals and organizations that contributed to the success of the Walang Tulugan Serbisyo Caravan, which provided round-the-clock public services in January.
In photo: Mayor Jeannie Sandoval, Counsellor Ji LingPeng, Ph.D., from the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines, City Administrator Dr. Alexander Rosete, former Congressman Ricky Sandoval, officials from the Malabon Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) and the Philippine Malabon Cultural Institute (PMCI) pose for a photo op during the festival (Photo by Hannah Nicol/MANILA BULLETIN)
Awardees included Ambassador Ji LingPeng, PhilHealth Caloocan, the Department of Tourism, and private sector partners like Fishermall Malabon and Robinsons Malabon.
There were 73 small business owners who received tax amnesty certificates, granting full tax exemptions for selected sari-sari stores and eateries in 2025.
The event ended with performances from Tinig ng Malabueno contest winners in celebration of National Arts Month.
"Iba't ibang programa para sa mga Malabueno ang hatid ng ating ikalawang Filipino-Chinese Cultural Festival, kung saan ating muling pinapaalala sa bawat isa ang kasaysayan ng pagtutulungan ng dalawang komunidad, na isa sa mga nagsimula at nagpapatuloy ng ating layuning mas magandang bukas para sa bawat Malabueno. Kasabay nito, hinihikayat natin ang ating mga kapwa mamamayan ng lungsod na magkaisa, magtulungan, at maging magkakampi upang makamit ang ating mga pangarap (Our second Filipino-Chinese Cultural Festival brings a variety of programs to the people of Malabon, reminding everyone of the long history of cooperation between these two communities. This partnership has played a crucial role in our goal of creating a better future for every Malabueno. At the same time, we encourage our fellow city residents to unite, work together, and support one another in achieving our dreams),” Rosete said.
City officials, department heads, employees, barangay officials, and residents also joined the festivities.