By Chessa Pae Faustino, StratCom Correspondent

Fostering inclusivity in the university, MMSU hosted a post-Chinese New Year celebration on February 29, at the MMSU Student Center.

Led by the MMSU Language Center, the event provided an enriching cultural and educational experience among the students of the BS in Hospitality Management, BS in Tourism Management, and AB in English Language programs. These students take Mandarin classes (FL 02, Mand01, Mand02) at the university. Furthermore, the activity honored the cultural heritage of the Chinese students of MMSU.

Prof. Melody Allado, Mandarin Instructor of the Department of Languages and Literature, was the main facilitator. Foreign exchange students from MMSU who attended a 10-day course at Dezhou University also participated as facilitators.

Meanwhile, Consul Ren Faqiang and Consul Ma Ning, Consulate of the People's Republic of China in Laoag City, attended the celebration. Consul Ren expressed his delight in the celebration, where he emphasized that the event, “brings the friendship of the People's Republic of China and the Philippines closer together, fostering a brighter future for the students who are the hope of both nations.” 

Students showcased their artistry and talents through various contested activities, such as public speaking, singing, calligraphy writing, and designing Peking opera masks. The Consulate of Laoag sponsored the prizes for the various contested activities.

Also present at the event were Dr. Ma. Deleilah Adriatico, MMSU chief of student development; Dr. Marlina Lino, dean of the college of arts and sciences; Dr. Aris Reynold Cajigal, dean of the college of teacher education; and Mandarin professors from CTE.

The Chinese New Year celebration marks the beginning of the year according to the traditional lunar calendar and is one of the most important traditional holidays in Chinese Culture. (MKA_StratCom)