james tolosa,
Batch 2020 students explore Chinese culture in Mid-Autumn Festival
IMMERSION. Grade 12 students smile with their teacher Ms. Yinyin Lu (center) as they show their outputs from the woodblock printing activity. Photo Credits: Mrs. Stella Pascual
UPIS Grade 12 students taking the Mandarin elective commemorated the Mid-Autumn Festival and Confucius Institute Day in the GT-Toyota Asian Center Auditorium last September 11.
With the theme Intangible Cultural Heritage of China, the event was organized by the Confucius Institute of the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) and the UPD Asian Center. The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in the Philippines and the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FFCCCII) also assisted in the management of the event.
The Grade 12 students listened to messages from Confucius Institute Director Lourdes T. Nepomuceno, UPD Chancellor Dr. Michael L. Tan, and Embassy of PRC Counselor Tian Shanting. These officials talked about the relevance of the harvest festival to Asian culture. They also expressed the significance of the collaborations done by the institute in maintaining diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China.
“This event is important because it serves as a window to bridge the gap between the two countries through education and culture… [through this,] we also highlight Chinese traditions,” Nepomuceno mentioned.
The students tried woodblock printing, writing calligraphy, making gongfu cha (tea art), and painting Beijing opera masks. They also watched performances from the Chinese Cultural Extravaganza, City College of Angeles Performing Arts, and the University of Makati Siglahi Dance Company & Chorale.
The Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar. Nepomuceno also added that the Confucius Institute is now on its fourth year.
This event served as an intercultural activity for the students taking the Mandarin interest course. //by James Tolosa
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