Shi (left) experiences Quanzhou's traditional folk art. [Photo provided to gofujian.com]

Though born in the Philippines and with only brief visits to her ancestral Fujian, 17-year-old Shi Yaqi maintains a profound bond with China. Her parents preserved their Chinese heritage through Hokkien dialect, Fujian cuisine, and annual Qingming Festival returns to Quanzhou.

Among all the traditional festivals, the Chinese New Year is Shi's favourite. Dressed in red, the family would gather to enjoy Fujian dishes, watch the Spring Festival Gala, and stay up late to usher in the new year with wishes for peace and prosperity. In those moments, she felt a profound sense of belonging, rooted not just in family, but in culture.

Her cultural connection deepened in sixth grade when a Chinese teacher inspired her language journey, culminating in a national writing competition award.

Shi further honed her skills through three online cultural camps organized by the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese. Now fluent, she promotes Chinese culture in Manila through essays and dance performances while participating in local community exchanges.

To Shi, her ancestral home of Quanzhou is a source of comfort and identity. "I love returning home," she says. "There's a sense of peace and belonging — the people, the scenery, and especially the flavours."

Through her writing and dance performances, she introduces the richness and beauty of Chinese culture to Filipino audiences. She also participates in local community activities, helping to foster grassroots ties between China and the Philippines.

A May 2025 "Root-seeking Tour" summer camp allowed her to explore China's historical sites and strengthen her bond with the country.

Shi sees herself as uniquely positioned to bridge the cultures of the two countries. Additionally, she hopes to study at a university in China, continuing her journey of cultural exploration and linguistic mastery.