Cai (third from right) receives a prize during a Chinese storytelling competition. [Photo provided to gofujian.com]

In her life in the Philippines, somehow, there is always a lingering fragrance of tea from Fujian in the air. To Cai Yalin, this fragrance is more than just a taste from her hometown — it is a testament to her Chinese roots.

Having lived in the Philippines for over a decade, Cai's family has never let go of their Fujianese traditions — the sound of boiling water poured into a teapot and the rituals of prayer during festivals. All these customs, seamlessly woven into daily life, keep her connected to the land across the sea. "Every year, we return to Fujian to visit relatives and reunite with friends," she says. In its familiar dialects and streets, she relives that deep attachment to her homeland.

Her affinity for Chinese culture took root in childhood. At the Philippine Cultural College, Cai grew up in an environment where Chinese traditions are preserved and celebrated. From traditional festival celebrations to Chinese-language competitions in essay writing, recitation and Chinese character chess, the school opened a window for her to explore Chinese culture. "I participate not only out of love for Chinese culture, but also a desire to let more people see its charm," she explains.

Her first encounter with Chinese recitation came in the third grade, during a storytelling competition. "I was shy and timid back then, but somehow I gathered the courage to challenge myself," she recalls. Standing on the stage, she poured out the joys and sorrows into her voice. The unexpected applause — and her first prize — brought both joy and surprise. From then on, recitation became her stage, a place where she could express all her feelings: Her longing for her homeland, her love of language, and her love of culture. 

These experiences have not only made Cai more confident and outgoing, but also deepened her understanding of the emotions behind words. Her favourite work is the poem The Red Candle by Wen Yiduo. "O red candle! Ask not for reward, but only to strive," she recites. Cai still remembers the impact of reading it for the first time, moved by its powerful emotions to tears. "Wen Yiduo compared himself to a red candle, willing to bring a glimmer of light to the darkness and dedicating himself to his country," she says. Great literature transcends time, and recitation gives it the power to strike straight at the heart.

As a young girl with a bicultural background, Cai Yalin develops a unique perspective. "In the future, I want to spread the cultures of both countries in my own way," she says. "I hope more people can see and feel the charm of the Chinese and Philippine cultures."