On the evening of October 5, Cathay Pacific Airway celebrated the 60th anniversary of its founding at the Philippine Plaza Hotel in Manila. H.E. Li Jinjun, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Republic of Philippines was invited to attend. During the cocktail reception, at which around 300 guests were present, Ambassador Li had friendly talks with Mr. Philip Chen, Chief Executive of Cathay Pacific and Hon. Mondoza, Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) of the Philippines. He expressed his warmest felicitations to the Cathay Pacific and spoke highly of outstanding service Cathay provided as well as the great contribution it made to the exchanges and friendship among different peoples in the world. Ambassador Li also extended his sincere hope to Cathay Pacific on its future development.

Cathay Pacific has a special relation with the Philippines. It is recorded that the name of "Cathay Pacific Airways" was first coined at the Tropicana Bar of Manila Hotel by its founder and his friends. And Cathay's historic maiden flight was also operated in the Philippines in September 1946.