29 June 2016 - As part of its commemorative activities for the 118th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, Dr. Raul Sunico, President of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), visited the Arts College of Xiamen University on June 20 and was accompanied by Philippine Consul General to Xiamen Julius Caesar A. Flores and Consulate General’s officers. The delegation was welcomed by Dr. Su Li, Dean of Arts College of Xiamen University; Mr. Yanfang Chen, Professor, and Director and Ms. Jennifer Ku, Piano Professor, Music Department.
Dr. Su Li expressed appreciation to the Consulate General for its efforts to bring Dr. Sunico to Xiamen University to highlight this year’s commemoration of Philippine independence as well as to enhance cultural exchanges between the Philippines and Fujian province.
Dr. Sunico and Consul Geneal turned-over the kudyapi to Dr. Su who said it was very timely since the Arts College will inaugurate its museum of musical instruments in September this year. Dr. Sunico gave a brief background of the kudyapi, courtesy of the National Commission of Culture and the Arts.
Consul General Flores thanked Dr. Su for the warm reception and the College’s acceptance for Dr. Sunico’s visit. Consul General Flores underscored that it was the intention of the Consulate General to share with Xiamen University students the talent and expertise of Dr. Sunico, a world-renowned pianist. Consul General Flores welcomed the proposal of Dr. Su to undertake an exchange program in 2017 between Xiamen University and a counterpart institution in the Philippines, either with Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and/or with the University of Santo Tomas (UST).
Dr. Sunico expressed elation on the proposed exchange program and looks forward to further discussions leading towards signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). He conducted a “master class” or workshop for two volunteer piano major students, which was attended by around 100 students at the College’s Concert Hall.
The Arts College has presently 800 students majoring in music and several hundred majoring in piano. There also visiting professors from foreign universities (from the U.S. and Europe) under the framework of an exchange program with Xiamen University. END