In Guangzhou, China, thirty Chinese students got a unique taste of Filipino culture—through laughter, play, and food that felt like home.
The event, held at Jingshi Aoyuan Nanao Experimental School, was part of the Philippine Consulate General’s special program “Building Bridges.” It celebrated both the Buwan ng Wika and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and China.
The schoolyard was filled with energy as students tried beloved Filipino outdoor games like patintero, luksong tinik, and sipa. For many of them, it was their very first time experiencing these traditional pastimes that generations of Filipino children grew up playing.
Adding to the fun, the students admired colorful kites decorated with riddles in various Philippine languages—Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilokano, Waray, Pangasinense, Aklanon, and Chavacano. Each riddle came with an English translation, allowing the students to connect the words to their own culture. They were surprised to find similarities with mí yǔ (谜语), the riddle tradition in China.
Of course, no Filipino celebration would be complete without food. The students enjoyed a sweet merienda of fluffy ensaymada and ube pastries, paired perfectly with refreshing calamansi juice.
Philippine Consul General to Guangzhou, Iric Arribas, reminded the students that language is more than just a tool for communication. “It is also a way to connect people and cultures,” he said, echoing this year’s theme: “Paglinang sa Filipino at Katutubong Wika: Makasaysayan sa Pagkakaisa ng Bansa.”
The event was not just about games or snacks—it was about building friendships, discovering similarities, and honoring the strong ties that have existed between the Philippines and China since June 9, 1975.
