PH embassy hosts students to mark PH-China Jubilee
As part of its flagship Ni Hao Philippines cultural outreach program, the Philippine Embassy in Beijing welcomed a special group last Saturday, Feb. 22—23 Chinese students from Wu Yun Art School, aged 6 to 13. The art school trains students in painting, sculpture, music, and dance. Equipped with their canvases and easels, they came ready to paint something inspired by the Philippines.
Ambassador Jaime Florcruz welcomed them in Mandarin and shared how Philippine art is influenced by the diverse images of Filipino life and nature—the azure skies, green forests, vibrant fruits and flowers, blue waters, white sand, birds, and fish.
He showed them examples of colorful jeepneys, woven banigs, traditional balangays, and barong Tagalog shirts.
“For Filipinos, arts have been a powerful tool to tell our stories, our identities, and our aspirations,” he said. “It is an important part of Philippine life and culture.”
He then answered their questions in Mandarin.
Here are excerpts from their dialogue:
“Do you paint?”
“No. I wish I did.”
“What is the most common painting style in your country?”
“A wide range—classical and modern.”
“What is your national or most popular sport?”
“Basketball. I play basketball.”
“How cold does it get there?”
“No winter or spring—only dry and rainy seasons. It’s mostly warm.”
“How hot?”
“It can reach 39 degrees Celsius, or rarely hotter.”
“What makes an outstanding diplomat?”
“Curiosity, a love for meeting people and traveling, strong communication and analytical skills, and being genuine—not fake or pretentious.”
“What are the best Filipino dishes?”
“Lechon, grilled seafood, and many others, including delicious desserts.”
The embassy treated the students to Filipino snacks such as palabok and buko pie. At the end of the program, one of the children exclaimed, “I am going to ask our parents to bring us to the Philippines.”
This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China. As part of the celebration, the embassy plans to host more people-to-people engagements like this one.