27 May 2016 – The Philippine Embassy in Beijing welcomed Grade 5 students from the Tsinghua International School (THIS) on May 19 under its “Ni Hao, Philippines” program.
In her opening remarks, the Embassy’s Minister and Consul General Elizabeth Te expressed the hope that “Ni Hao, Philippines” could help pave the way for enhanced understanding and lasting friendship among peoples of various nationalities. She also invited the students to visit the Philippines.
The Embassy, through a presentation, introduced aspects of Philippine culture, including Philippine textile and clothing, sports and games, food, education, fiesta and festivals. In expressing their enthusiasm, the students asked a number of questions to further deepen their understanding of Philippine culture.
The students were given the opportunity to view the “Food Exhibit,” “Colors of Freedom Exhibit,” “Sample Textile and Clothing Exhibit,” and “Fiesta Exhibit” set up in the Embassy’s Sentro Rizal.
The students were served chicken adobo and pork barbeque with rice, and banana and ice cream for dessert, and returned for second and third helpings of the chicken adobo. They were also given a gift bag each containing dried mangoes, tourism brochures, keychain, greeting cards and post cards to let them bring home a part of the Philippines to their respective families.
Highlighting that the students’ visits to various embassies were intended to promote cultural diversity, teacher Jeremy Scaramuzzi expressed appreciation to the Embassy. Mr. Scaramuzzi, an American from Chicago, further said that he has visited the Philippines twice and noted the warmth of the Filipino people which he felt through the preparations made for the students.
“Ni Hao, Philippines” is an activity organized by the Embassy on a regular basis aimed at creating awareness of Philippine culture among children aged 7 – 12 years old.
Tsinghua International School (THIS) is an international school in Beijing that is attached to Tsinghua Fuzhong, the secondary school affiliated to Tsinghua University and one the Chinese capital’s top public secondary school. END
