Chongqing - During the 2024 Belt and Road Journalists Forum, Bridging News interviewed Maria Kristina Junio Maralit, Secretary of the National Press Club of the Philippines, visiting Chongqing for the first time. Maralit shared her initial impressions of the city, noting that the weather took her by surprise. "Coming from a tropical country like the Philippines, I thought I was used to the heat, but Chongqing is even hotter than expected," she joked. Despite the heat, she quickly grew fond of the city, remarking on its beauty and the balance between modern and traditional elements.

"I had never heard much about Chongqing before this trip, but after doing some research, I was fascinated. Upon arriving, it exceeded my expectations with its modern skyscrapers, advanced transportation systems, and the blend of old and new," she said.

Maralit highlighted two memorable experiences during her visit—alcohol blending at Jiangji Distillery in Chongqing Jiangjin District and seeing the pandas at the Chongqing Zoo. These first-time experiences left a lasting impression, and she expressed excitement about sharing them with her friends, family, and readers in the Philippines.

As the Philippines transitions towards renewable energy and electric vehicles, Maralit emphasized the potential for collaboration between the two countries, particularly in technology and green energy. She was impressed by the affordability and quality of Chinese electric vehicles and noted how they could benefit the Filipino market.

Regarding media cooperation, Maralit stressed the importance of exchanges between Filipino and Chinese journalists to deepen understanding and promote mutual growth. "A journalist exchange program could help us better understand each other’s cultures and share stories that resonate with our audiences," she suggested.

Overall, Maralit praised Chongqing's transformation, calling it a model for inclusive development that balances progress with preserving heritage and the environment.