
Former President Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada and Ambassador Zhao Jianhua of China graced the event by jointly cutting the ceremonial ribbon signalling the opening of the Philippine-China Cultural Festival previously known as the Annual Spring Lantern Festival. In the Mayor's brief remarks, Mayor Estrada called the annual event "A valuable opportunity for greater understanding and friendship between the two nations, through expanded cultural exchange".
The event is a symbol of the continuing friendship of the Philippines and China by exploring China's Culture thru Photo exhibit, Arts, Music, Traditional Costumes, Books, Food, Games, Tea Ceremony, Calligraphy, traversing thru the Wisdom Walk and visiting the Confucius Statue both of which has donated by the Anvil Business Club in previous years.