IF the Philippines and other nations have flag carriers that represent their countries in commercial flights, then China stands out as possibly the only nation globally to have its national flag represented by an automobile brand. This distinction belongs to the brand Hongqi (pronounced hong-chee), whose name literally translates to 'red banner' in Chinese. This name not only reflects the color of China's flag but also symbolizes resilience, strength, and grandeur, making a bold statement in the automotive industry both locally and globally.

So, given its Chinese origin, Hongqi ensured that its launch date in the Philippines aligned with cultural beliefs. The event itself was marked by a marching band performance and the closure of half of 27th Street in Bonifacio Global City (BGC). The launch event, which took place on Sept. 15, 2023, also coincided with the end of the ghost month, a period of significance in the lunar calendar for Filipino-Chinese communities and businesses.