Known as the “Mayor of Xiamen” Jose Noel Halili Antivola, better known as Bong Ants shares his experience of living in Xiamen and China at large!
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Name: Jose Noel Halili Antivola (otherwise known as Bong Ants)
Country of Origin: Republic of the Philippines
Occupation: Marketing Director for Landy International
Years in China: 14 years, 5 months and 24 days
How did your journey in China begin?
On November 9th 2006, I met two Americans in Manila, Philippines named Stevens Vaughn and Rodney Cone. They were on vacation that time and were looking for a personal assistant for Stevens. I was then working as Executive Assistant to the President at Folded and Hung. When they offered me the job at Golden Bears Design Studio, I accepted it and came to Xiamen on December 2, 2006… and the rest is history.
Bong with the management group at Landy.
What do you like most about your city (Xiamen or others) and China as a whole?
Xiamen is my Paradise – my place of contentment and fulfillment. The weather is similar to that of the Philippines though a bit colder in winter. The people are welcoming and the community is generally helpful to each other. I also love getting involved with various art projects at the Nordic Contemporary Art Center and Xiatenwei Wetland Park. And last but not the least… PARTIES!
Bong showing his creative skills with friends
What fascinated you the most about living in China?
The most fascinating thing for me is how the Chinese government handled the COVID-19 pandemic. At the onset of the situation, they acted swiftly and made drastic decisions to close the borders. The system of contact tracing, preventive measures, distribution of vaccines are things other countries can definitely learn from.
As customary, Bong attends events with fellow Filipino residents in China and Chinese officials.
What is your unique China story?
I guess being called by most people in the city as “The Mayor of Xiamen” is the most unique for me. I’m also elated to be given recognition from fellow expat creative JQNation as the “2020 Artist of the Year”, Gold Awardee from the Asia Pacific Youth Performing Art Championship 2020 (Malaysia) together with Celine, Hanna and team.
Some background on his home country.
Originally from Bacolod City, Negros Island this town is known as “The City of Smiles”. It is famous for sugar – probably why people are sweet and happy. Every October, locals and visitors alike celebrate the Masskara Festival where revelers adorn themselves in creative masks and costumes.
Find out more at: https://guidetothephilippines.ph/articles/history-culture/masskara-festival-bacolod-guide
One of the decorative masks at the Masskara Festival in Bacolod.
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