Coconut Breeze, Sea Rhyme Warm the Northern Land: Canadian Hainan Association Gathering Concludes Warmly in 2025

(Huawen Net News, Special Correspondent Chen Rong) In Toronto in November, snow-covered landscapes signal the quiet arrival of winter. However, inside a community center, warmth and laughter filled the air, breaking through the biting cold outside. This was the venue for an annual gathering of Hainan expatriates. Over a hundred fellow villagers, accompanied by friends and family, brought the warmth of their southern homeland “air-freighted” to the snowy northern region with food brimming with hometown flavors and passionate hometown sentiment.

Overseas Chinese leader Wang Quanlei and author Yan Daxia

Industry elites Qu Liangguo and Wang Quanlei

The party was hosted by the elegant and distinguished industry elite, Dr. Qu Liangguo. Following the sincere speeches by invited guests Yan Fei, Chairman of the Chinese Canadian Writers Association, and Wang Quanlei, convener of this Hainan compatriots' reunion, Ms. Chen Rong, chief editor of "Voice of North America," sang a deeply moving rendition of "I Love You, China." Her melodious voice touched the hearts of every overseas Chinese, ushering in the grand feast.

Hainan Hometown Association Convener Wang Quanle

Chen Rong, Editor-in-Chief, interviewed on-site.

“Food” is the most grand homesickness ritual of this gathering. The roasted suckling pig from Lingao, presented by fellow villager Wang Quanlei, with its crispy skin and tender meat, carries auspicious meaning and always becomes a “legendary dish” that is highly inquired about after the meal. The Hainan chicken rice, meticulously prepared by Brother Qiang and Sister-in-law Qiang, is not only perfect in color, aroma, and taste, but is also kept warm on-site with professional banquet techniques, offering warmth and care. The Vietnamese spring rolls and mini coconut milk jackfruit sticky rice brought by Rainny and Jason's family exude a rich tropical flair. The do-it-yourself pairing of Ding'an noodles and the ready-to-eat flavorful Danzhou rice porridge demonstrate the unique thoughtfulness of Mai Liu and A Ling. The salt-baked chicken, practiced repeatedly for weeks by Zhen for perfection, Pan Min's healthy sugar-free black sesame and purple sweet potato cakes, along with assorted egg tarts, chicken feet, stir-fried dishes, pizza, seafood, chicken wings, cakes... each dish is a microcosm of homesickness, comforting the taste buds and soothing the heart.

The villagers enjoy delicious food

The culinary break concluded as the sharing session commenced. Guided by the host, adults and teenagers took turns introducing themselves, sharing stories, and seeking opportunities for collaboration and learning. The enthusiastic participation of the youth particularly infused the venue with vibrant energy, offering a hopeful glimpse into the continuation of cultural heritage among the new generation. Adult participants who shared their stories included: Qu Liangguo, Wang Quanlei, Hu Luobo, A Ling, Fei Yan, Cai Shen, Amy, Nicole, Joey, Pan Min, Fu Zhigang, Weibo, Chen Jue and her three daughters, Grace, Cai Qinhe, Yan Daxia, Jason, Qiang Ge, Sora, Rachel, Lucy (from Windsor), Jerry, and Wang Meichang. The youth participants included: Michelle, Estelle, Nancy, and Aiden.

Wang Quanlei and fellow villagers Liu Tianpeng, Han Yongguang, and others

The subsequent talent show was even more dazzling. Cai Qinhe, a fellow townsman, shared his insights on Chinese culture, and his daughter Rebecca's steady and elegant violin solo won thunderous applause. Elder overseas Chinese Mr. Lin Youxiang attended with his whole family. His granddaughter Emily's graceful modern dance was captivating and has become an indispensable highlight of the gathering. It also happened to be the birthday of another of Mr. Lin's granddaughters, Salina. Everyone signed their blessings and a surprise cake pushed the warm atmosphere to a climax. Su Jing, a fellow townsman, sang a passage from the Qiong Opera “San Kan Yumei” with clear diction and pronunciation, transforming the authentic local accent into the most beautiful homesickness. The finale was performed by "Swallow the Great Hero" (Yan Fei), who recited "Yueyang Lou Ji." His passionate and expressive recitation of the ancient literati's spirit of "worrying before the world and rejoicing after it" was profoundly moving and thought-provoking.

The lucky draw session was full of surprises, with generous gifts sponsored by warm-hearted fellow townsmen. Among them were “Batman,” President Tang Ming of the Canadian Hainan Chamber of Commerce, who silently captured every moment of laughter and emotion with professional equipment throughout the event. The exquisite photos he swiftly shared even sparked admiration and gratitude within the group after the gathering.

This gathering was made possible by the selfless contributions of many fellow townsfolk and received media support from the Canadian Association of Chinese Writers, the Canada Hainan Chamber of Commerce, and Voice of North America. Special thanks to Millie, Amy, Brother Qiang and Sister-in-law Qiang, Wang Quanlei, Simon, A Ling, Feiyan, Pan Min, Hu Luobo, Martin Lin, and other enthusiastic fellow townsfolk! As the Hainan folk song goes: “Long have we not met, long have we met, it is only in long-awaited reunions that true joy is found.” This gathering was not only a sharing of delicious food and laughter, but also a confirmation of our cultural roots and a strengthening of our emotional community. We once drank from the waters of the Wanquan River together, and today we gather strength in the land of the maple leaf. May this deep hometown sentiment forever be the warmest beacon guiding us forward in a foreign land.

Folks, see you in 2026!