A Mysterious and Beautiful City
Chongqing's climate impressed me. I come from the Philippines, a tropical rainforest region with year-round heat and rain, markedly different from Chongqing’s weather. I began working in this beautiful city during the summer of 2024, its hottest season, and now I have experienced a Chongqing winter. For the first time, I have seen this renowned city transform from lush greenery to a mist-shrouded and mysterious winter landscape. The city’s frequent winter fog truly justifies its global reputation as the "Fog Capital."
Chongqing is a mysterious and beautiful city, and I take pride in working here.
——Elroy Rendor, Vice Consul of the Philippine Consulate General in Chongqing
Why Chongqing?
"Why did you come to Chongqing?" "Why did you choose Chongqing?" These are questions many local friends have asked me. Before arriving, I knew Chongqing was a key city in China, renowned as an inland mountain metropolis. The Yangtze River flows from west to east through the city, and I had heard that Chongqing is home to hundreds of rivers and numerous canyons. As someone who grew up in an archipelagic nation, I was deeply curious about this geography. Furthermore, Chongqing’s openness and status as an important industrial hub ultimately inspired my decision to to bid for my foreign assignment in Chongqing.
Happy to be of service
At the Philippine Consulate General in Chongqing, my responsibilities span consular services including assistance to Filipino nationals, and economic affairs, diplomacy, consular protection, and cultural exchanges. My work has also afforded me many opportunities to interact with Chongqing residents and visit various parts of the city, enabling me to gain an in-depth understanding of it. Chongqing’s people are warm and straightforward, and they have been exceptionally friendly to us. Beyond the city’s central districts, I have visited areas such as Fengdu, Shizhu, and Xiushan. In a picturesque town of Huangshui, I even joined locals in performing the renowned "Pai Shou Dance." I am pleased that through my work, I can extend crucial services to Filipinos living Chongqing and introduce the Philippines to more Chongqing residents.
Hope More People Will Visit the Philippines
The Philippines is renowned for its stunning beaches, magnificent landscapes, and invaluable cultural heritage. Visitors can immerse themselves in the essence of island tourism, from sunshine, sandy beaches, and rolling waves to diving adventures, and seafood feasts that captivate travellers worldwide. I highly recommend exploring the historic walled city of Intramuros, the world's smallest volcano, Taal Volcano, and the tranquil lagoons of El Nido, Palawan. Additionally, I’d like to spotlight my hometown, Cavite Province, located about 30 kilometres south of Manila. Cavite is a well-known tourist destination in the Philippines, especially with its culinary offerings and vibrant coffee culture.
Continuously Deepening Investment and Exchange
The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines. Currently, the Philippines and Chongqing have fostered excellent economic and trade collaboration. Esteemed Philippine firms such as the SM Group and Robinsons Group have made substantial investments in Chongqing, becoming integral to the daily lives of its residents and introducing them to Philippine culture. In this milestone year, we aim not only to strengthen economic and trade ties but also to promote cultural and educational exchanges, including middle school students from Chongqing and the Philippines.
Photos Source: Philippine Consulate General in Chongqing, Philippine Department of Tourism
Narrator: Elroy Rendor
Vice Consul of the Philippine Consulate General in Chongqing