The opening ceremony of “Philippine Week of Soong Ching Ling School” jointly organized by Soong Ching Ling School and Philippine Consulate General in Shanghai was held in SCLS theatre on 16th April.
During the entire week, teachers and students learnt history, culture and custom of Philippines through various activities. Guests from Philippines General Consulate in Shanghai are also impressed with the curiosity and enthusiasm of SCLS students.
Open the Gate to History
Consul general of the Philippines in Shanghai Mr. Cuyugan gave the opening speech, said “My country is a beautiful country. Philippines began to trade with China from centuries ago and is deeply influenced by Chinese culture and tradition.”
History Lesson:“the Chinese Stones”
Both Consul General Mr. Cuyugan and Principal Mme. Feng mentioned the story of the Chinese Stones. Several centuries ago, big amount of trade business happened between China and the Philippines, Chinese merchant ships carried silk, tea leaves, ceramics products to trade local goods back from the Philippines. For against the winds, the merchant ships will always tie some huge stones at the bottom of the ships to keep stable, while on their returning journey, they left these stones in the Philippines. Local people would naturally call them “the Chinese Stones”. These Chinese Stones are witness of the long-history of the exchange and friendship between these two countries.
Experience the Country of Thousand Islands
Tourist attaché of Philippine Consulate in Shanghai Mr. Reyes gave SCLS students a brief geography introduction of Philippines. If you want to know how many islands in Philippines? How the name of Philippines comes? Or how many colors does Philippine national flags has? Come and ask SCLS students now.
Appreciate the Beauty of Art
Philippine artists brought us a wonderful show of local dance and singing with either strong breath of everyday life, or an impression of dignity and mystery, or a touch of grace and gorgeous. Through the show, students not only feel the beauty of art, but also learnt the Philippine farming tradition, tribe history and the blend of both local and foreign culture as well as the passionate and optimistic spirit of Philippine people.
After the show, students learnt traditional Philippine folk dance such as Bamboo Dance, Bird Dance and Duck Dance which also gives students a better understanding of Philippine culture.
A Taste of Tropical Gourmet
Food is not only the basic element of everyday life but also a simple reflection of culture deposit of a country. During this week, school cafeteria also held a Philippine Food Day. You can tell that how much students like it from their big smiling faces.
Through Philippine Week of SCLS, students got a closer look of Philippines, a country of thousand islands, a country where east meets west, a country with beautiful white sand beaches and great people.
Comments on the bulletin board during Philippine Week
菲律宾真是一个奇妙的国家，7107个岛屿都各有各的风采，我以前对菲律宾的认识实在是太少了，下次去时一定要全补上。——五（4）唐申洋
菲律宾的各种舞蹈让我感受到那里的风土人情，他们一定很热爱自然，因为舞蹈中有模仿小鸟、小鸭子的动作，还有庆祝种田丰收的动作。——4(2)朱桉一
我对菲律宾充满了好奇，这个国家版图的轮廓就像一只小猫，坐在海洋中间。那里的人和我们一样热爱和平，是我们的好朋友。——3（1）施晓晨
头顶罐子仍能稳稳走路的演员很厉害，罐子一个叠着一个，高得像座小山，演员却还能曼妙、优雅地行走着。——4（6）汤培君
菲律宾让我感到很温馨，艺术家特地从菲律宾飞到上海来为我们表演，我被深深感动了。——3(2)陆雨萱
The dancing part of the show is my favorite because the dancing is so good that I wish I could also dance as beautifully as they did. The opera singing is so sweet and I learned a lot from it.——4(6) Michelle.Hui
Consul general of the Philippines in Shanghai Mr. Cuyugan says, Kids are the future of the world, when they grow up, they will still remember this Philippine Week activity.
Principal Mme. Feng said, SCLS is working together with different Consulate Generals in Shanghai to hold various cultural activities that aim to bring our children a broader global vision, more acceptance of world diversity and a responsibility for the community of the shared future for mankind.
Hope this sharing opportunity will plant a seed of friendship, of peace, and of love for everyone.
