NI HAO, Beijing!: USJ-R Dramatics & Cultural Ensemble performs in China

CEBU, Philippines - One of the many advantages of being a scholar of the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Dramatics and Cultural Ensemble and Amparito L. Lhuillier Educational Foundation is the chance to see the world and perform before an international audience.

Over the years, the group has performed once or twice in countries like Singapore, Korea, Russia, China, and United States of America. A privilege that I myself have had enjoyed because of the opportunities given to us by our adviser and mentor Dr. Mila Espina, who just recently headed a delegation that went to Beijing, China for another cross-cultural exchange.

The delegation was also composed of USJ-R vice-president Fr. Amado Bolilia, Cebu businessmen Nestor Mendoza and Ramon Sebastian, who serve as the production manager and adviser, respectively, of the delegation; plus student-performers and alumni, namely, Phoebe Abatayo, Jade Anne Balaod, Mabel Balbuena, Elvert Benero, Jr., Jessie Camay, Gerard Cabras, Mabel Joy Cimafranca, Lorielyn Cañete, Michele Yap, Ruvelyn Empaces, Jessica Famador, Portia Florenosos, Kenneth Galano, Francis Isidro, Alden Miguel, Kirsten Sebastian, Frinzell Siacor, Nico Velasquez, Sweeney Villahermosa, and this writer.

CROSS-CULTURAL EXCHANGE. A couple of years ago—in April of 2007—upon invitation of the China Agricultural University (CAU) East Campus, USJ-R performed at the China Agricultural University (CAU) East Campus. Then in 2008, it was the turn of the China Agricultural University to visit USJ-R to share what kind of culture China has through songs and dances.

Last May 12-16, students and alumni of USJ-R and Speechcom International went to Beijing, China for the second time to perform at the University’s West Campus. Cebu’s pride, the world-class performer and USJ-R dramatics alumna Anna Fegi, also joined the trip. “Because it was my first time to be in Beijing, I didn’t have second thoughts of joining the delegation when I was invited by Dr. Espina. It’s always nice to share the stage with young and talented students. I remember that’s how and where I started,” said Anna.

The students were also grateful to have been invited by no less than His Excellency Ambassador Francisco Benedicto to perform for some Filipinos at the Philippine Embassy in China. CAU’s talented students and Josenians then had a back-to-back show at the embassy. For the students, it was definitely one experience that couldn’t be found in books nor learned in classrooms. “It was our honor to perform for the Chinese students and Filipinos in China. We were able to share something with them, and in return, we learned something from them. This trip was very educational,” said third year Mass Communication student Ruvelyn Empaces.

SIGHT-SEEING IN CHINA. Apart from the performances, the Philippine delegation also had the opportunity to indulge in some sightseeing in popular places like the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City.

There’s a reason why the Great Wall of China is one of the most favorite attractions in Beijing. It’s absolutely incredible! No wonder it is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. We hiked up the Great Wall in groups. A newfound Chinese friend named Zhao served as our guide. Hiking up the Great Wall was not easy, but we got challenged by the sight of older people climbing up the long and winding pathway with seeming ease.

Everytime we paused to catch our breaths, it was also a chance to pose for photographs and to truly appreciate the magnificent and picturesque landscape surrounding the Great Wall. But what amazed me the most was seeing how the young Chinese students, who accompanied us, were able to convey the history of China to all of us. Obviously, they give so much importance to the history behind their tourist attractions. It made me realized that if only we give the same amount of value and importance to our very own tourist spots such as the Fort San Pedro or Magellan’s Cross, imagine what difference it would make.

I learned that in ancient times, the Chinese people used the Great Wall to guard their territory and keep an eye on incoming enemies. Now, it’s definitely a tourist destination and a work of art. I am proud to say that Josenians have climbed up the Great Wall of China. Adelante!

From the Great Wall, the itinerary prepared by the CAU brought us to the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Found at the center of Beijing City, there you can also visit Tiananmen Tower, Great Hall of the People, Monument to the People’s Heroes, Great Hall of the People, and Mao Zedong Memorial Hall. Visiting all these spots around the City of Beijing was really an enlightening experience for the students and the alumni.

It’s easy to say “hello” in Beijing. One would just say, Ni Hao. But it was definitely difficult to say goodbye to Beijing. I couldn’t think of any adjective that would best describe the entire experience. But one thing is for sure, the relationship that we were able to build with newfound friends during our stay in Beijing is beautiful beyond compare.

If you have comments, email the writer at [email protected] or text at 09065549539.