Growing up under varied cultures, Chinese and Filipinos share a lot in common, like commitment to their families and a desire to contribute to their country, Deng said, adding that these similarities have laid a solid foundation for people-to-people bonds.

Chinese Culture and Art Association Chairman Zhou Yanzhao says the exchange activity has laid the groundwork for deeper Chinese-Philippine civilization communication and closer ties among economies under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Florentina Colayco, president of the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, called for more such initiatives in the future, saying that the exchange program has fostered collaborative spirit and mutual understanding among Chinese and Filipino artists.