When Erlinda Fadera Basilio, the Philippines’ former ambassador to China, packed up her life in Beijing, she didn’t just take home suitcases—she brought back 300 boxes brimming with memories. From delicate ceramic vases 🏺 to intricately embroidered textiles, each item tells a story of her time in China, where friendship and culture collided in the most heartfelt ways.
📸 Basilio’s collection isn’t just about objects. It’s a time capsule of bonds formed with locals, including Bai Tian, a former Philippines desk officer at the Foreign Ministry of China. Their friendship deepened in 2016 when Basilio battled pneumonia. "Bai visited me every single day while I was hospitalized—her kindness was like sunshine during a storm," she recalled. Medical staff also left a lasting impression, their care helping her recover both physically and emotionally.
💬 "China isn’t just a place I worked—it’s where I found family beyond borders," Basilio said. Her treasures, now carefully stored, serve as reminders of cross-cultural connections that outlasted her diplomatic tenure. 🌏✨
