SHANGHAI – In a departure from its daily routine, “children’s diplomacy” took center stage at the Philippine Consulate General on 15 October, as Shanghainese schoolchildren trooped to the chancery to learn about the Philippines.

The “Little Ambassadors” – 10 girls and 11 boys – had a full afternoon of fun and learning. Tourism Attaché Ireneo H. Reyes and his team engaged them in a colorful audiovisual lecture on the Philippines and Filipino culture, and gave out prizes in the lively quiz that followed.

The little “envoys” satisfied their curiosities about the Philippines and Filipino views of China, during a lengthy Q&A session with Consul General Josel F. Ignacio.

The activity went into higher gear as the kids got to experience the famed Masskara festival of Negros. Volunteers from the Pinoy Teachers Association in Shanghai led by organization chief Chabeli Jill A. Hilasque performed the dance before leading a craft activity that had the children decorate blank masks and enthusiastically trying out the steps.

Wrapping up the activity was the awarding of Certificates to the attendees, followed by a delectable Filipino merienda of pansit and puto that had many of the “Little Ambassadors” asking for seconds.

“We hope you learned much and gained more appreciation for the Philippines and the bonds between Filipinos and the Chinese”, remarked the Consul General to the visitors. “When you leave the Consulate General, may you be “ambassadors” advocating for even closer friendship between us.”

The PCG has been hosting every year visits by Shanghainese schoolchildren keen to gain knowledge about the Philippines and Philippines-China ties. This year, the PCG and PDOT partnered with the 9Trees Foundation, which organizes various activities for the youth in order “to build an international communication platform”. END