Beijing: The grounds of the Philippine Embassy in Beijing became colorful and lively on Nov. 15, as Chinese children experienced the spirit of the MassKara Festival, one of the most famous festivals in the Philippines, under the cultural exchange program ‘Ni Hao, Philippines!’

According to Philippines News Agency, in an afternoon filled with art, music, and creativity, 32 students from ages 7 to 12 happily participated in a mask painting and dancing workshop. Wearing their own self-painted masks, the Chinese children performed lively moves inspired by Bacolodnon traditions, while cheerful music echoed.

The activity was conducted in collaboration with the Beijing Education Bureau, the city’s education agency. This was part of the Philippine Embassy in Beijing’s broader advocacy to introduce Filipino culture to Chinese youth and broaden their understanding of the Philippines, not just as a tourist destination, but as a country with rich history, arts, and traditions.

Before the workshop began, embassy officials introduced the origins of the MassKara Festival – the colorful Bacolod festival that was born from challenges, but grew into a symbol of hope and recovery. Aside from the history, the children were also shared stories about the Filipino family, favorite foods, beautiful landscapes, and other knowledge. They were also shown the key elements of the MassKara Festival, such as the colorful masks, vibrant choreography, and the message and custom of ‘paido’ or continuing despite trials.

In his message, Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime A. FlorCruz emphasized the importance of cultural exchange among the youth. ‘The MassKara Festival reminds us that joy is a form of resilience, a way to face challenges with hope,’ he said. ‘Through art, culture, and experiences like this, understanding and friendship between Filipinos and Chinese people, especially among the younger generation, deepen.’ He added that such activities are proof that there is a space for culture as a bridge of friendship amid the growing people-to-people exchanges between the Philippines and China.

Meanwhile, Third Secretary Joriz Arielle Gonzales said that the workshop is not only about art but also broadens the children’s knowledge about the values of family, unity, and the cheerful nature of Filipinos.

Also joining the celebration was Tourism Attach© Ireneo Reyes of the Philippine Department of Tourism – Beijing Office (PDoT-Beijing). In his speech, he shared how the culture, especially festivals, is the door to deeper connections between countries. ‘We hope that this experience will spark your interest to visit the Philippines to see, taste, and feel the joy of the MassKara Festival,’ Reyes invited the children and other attendees. He added that every smile, every dance, and every color tells the story of the identity of the Philippines as a joyful and resilient people.

Now on its fourth edition, ‘Ni Hao, Philippines!’ continues to introduce the stories, traditions, and values of the Philippines to young people in Beijing. In previous years, the program has featured activities, such as traditional dances, stories about Philippine legends, Filipino food tastings, and collaborative art projects. It aims to deepen people-to-people exchanges through experiences that foster understanding, respect, and genuine cultural exchange.

At the end of the program, the children happily returned home with their homemade masks, and most importantly, a new understanding of the Philippines. According to teachers from the Beijing Education Bureau, this type of activity is not only educational for the children but also lays the foundation for stronger ties between the two countries in the future. Amid the laughter, dance, and colorful creations, culture was once again proven to be one of the most powerful forces of people-to-people relations. And that day, the smiles of the MassKara Festival were not only seen in Bacolod – it also shone in the hearts and faces of the youth of Beijing.